APINDO Jember Encourages Synergy Between Sugarcane Farmers, Sugar Industry, and Government
Sunday, 26 April 2026
JEMBER - The Jember chapter of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) in East Java has called for stronger synergy between sugarcane farmers, the sugar industry, and the government to maintain sugar price stability in 2026.
APINDO Jember Head of Organization and Public Relations, Imam, stated that price stability should also contribute to improving the welfare of workers and communities surrounding the sugarcane industry.
“Workers’ incomes must also improve. Maintaining national stability should include the entire sugarcane cultivation ecosystem. The surrounding community must also prosper. To put it simply, if the aroma of fried shallots reaches the neighbors, then the neighbors should also be invited,” Imam said, as quoted on Sunday (April 26, 2026).
According to him, national stability in the sugar sector must be built upon a healthy ecosystem, where the economic benefits of the sugarcane plantation industry are distributed more evenly and reflected in improved living standards for nearby communities.
On pricing policy, Imam argued that the figures set by the government still need strengthening in order to meet farmers’ expectations. Therefore, collaboration between the government, farmers, and the sugar industry is considered essential to maintaining market balance while increasing the competitiveness of sugar production.
Imam also emphasized the need for sugarcane plantation expansion to strengthen the supply of raw materials. He noted that Jember still has significant potential for agricultural expansion and is suitable for additional sugar factory facilities.
Currently, many farmers from Jember supply sugarcane to sugar factories located in Banyuwangi and Malang. According to Imam, this reflects competitive market dynamics in which farmers seek the best possible selling prices.
Given these conditions, he stressed that government support in the form of facilitation and spatial planning policies is crucial to maintaining the sustainability of the sugar industry in Jember. Spatial planning adjustments, he said, should accommodate industrial needs without neglecting food security and residential interests.
Imam further warned that the national sugar production target, projected to continue increasing through 2028, requires readiness from all stakeholders, including land provision, farmer capacity building, and optimization of harvest absorption by sugar factories.
“Fortunately, factory modernization has progressed well, and as a result, sugar quality has also improved,” he said.
He added that balancing land capacity with industrial processing needs remains a critical issue that must be addressed, noting that careful planning will determine the future success of sugar industry development in Jember.
Source: BeritaJatim.com
