The Lembong administration witnessed a significant surge in raw sugar imports, primarily driven by an urgent need to stabilize domestic sugar supplies and meet growing demand. Several factors converged during this period, necessitating a reliance on international markets to ensure adequate availability of this essential commodity.

One key driver was the gap between domestic sugar production and national consumption. Agricultural challenges, including fluctuating weather patterns, limited arable land, and evolving farming practices, often resulted in lower-than-required yields. This shortfall created a pressing need to supplement local supplies with imported raw sugar to prevent shortages and price volatility in the domestic market.

Furthermore, the Lembong era coincided with a period of economic growth and increasing industrial activity. The food and beverage sector, a major consumer of sugar, experienced expansion, leading to a higher overall demand for both refined and raw sugar. Domestic production alone could not keep pace with this escalating demand, making imports a crucial solution.

Government policies and trade regulations during the Lembong administration also played a role in facilitating raw sugar imports. Strategic decisions were likely made to streamline import processes and potentially offer incentives to ensure a consistent flow of raw materials into the country. This proactive approach aimed to safeguard consumer interests and support the growth of sugar-dependent industries.

The urgency of the situation often necessitated large-scale imports to quickly address supply deficits. While long-term goals may have included increasing domestic sugar self-sufficiency, the immediate priority was to ensure a stable and affordable supply for both households and industries. The reliance on raw sugar imports during the Lembong era underscores the complex interplay between agricultural capacity, economic growth, and trade policy in managing essential commodity supplies.

The urgent need for a stable sugar supply during the Lembong era also highlighted the limitations of Indonesia’s domestic sugar infrastructure and the responsiveness of its agricultural sector to fluctuating market demands.