INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - the Government has decided to import 3.7 million tons of industrial salt to meet the needs of the domestic industrial sector.

The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) acknowledges that currently the government and farmers have not been able to provide salt for the industry. Thus, the salt import option becomes the best step in meeting those needs.

"Yes indeed industrial salt so far if we want to be honest can not be fulfilled, especially for the CAP, can check how our ability," said Director General of Agro Industry Ministry of Industry, Panggah Susanto in Jakarta (19/1/2018).

According to him, if Indonesia does want self-sufficiency of salt, it can be done. Only, the spirit must also consider the ability possessed.

"If we have the spirit there it is optimized with the existing capabilities, but not all of our own capabilities," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the salt imports made by the government for industrial needs. As for salt consumption will still be met by the national salt industry.

Imported salt is planned to be utilized by more than 100 companies engaged in sectors such as petrochemicals, glass, lenses, to food and beverages.

Minister of Industry disclosed, the government will facilitate the import of salt for the needs of industrial raw materials. This is stated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 41 of 2015 that the government is obliged to guarantee the supply of raw materials for industries in the country, including salt.

"We declare that the salt requirement for the industry can not be disrupted based on PP 41 and based on industry, investment and trade law," he explained.

Airlangga considers that the import of salt for industrial needs is not new and has been done since several years ago. Moreover, much salt is needed for the pharmaceutical industry, paper, various foods, and so forth.

"It's not industrial raw material, it's not new now, it's been 15 years, tens of years, in each factory." (The use of salt) The industry is to make glass, make plastic, "he concluded.