Bandung, W. Java, July 29 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman reaffirmed that all sugar processing companies operating in Indonesia are required to own sugarcane plantations, a strategic step aimed at accelerating national sugar self-sufficiency.

Speaking in Bandung Regency, West Java, on Wednesday, Minister Amran declared that the government will enforce strict compliance among private processing plants and refined sugar importers to boost domestic production.

"All private companies operating in the sugar industry are required to develop their own plantations. The same applies to importers. There will be no more tolerance for those who rely solely on imports without contributing to the development of domestic plantations," Amra...