JAKARTA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday asked the authorities to boost the country's food security as the novel coronavirus pandemic potentially triggers a global food crisis.

The statement came following the warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that the virus pandemic has the potential to cause food shortages in the world.

"On the warning from the FAO, we have to fully heed it. We underline that this COVID-19 pandemic can result in global food shortages," the president told a limited cabinet meeting.

The president cited that the current harvests in Indonesia will likely be smooth, which nevertheless, the authorities have to heed from August to September, so that there will be no disruption of production and supply chains.

"They have to be fully checked. The supply and distribution chains should be undisturbed," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the COVID-19 Countermeasures Doni Monardo said that the president also warned of the risks of drought which may hit in the near future and asked for reducing dependency on imports of foods.

Rice is the staple food for most of over 260 million people in Indonesia. Enditem

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