By: Ricky Rinaldi )*
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving national food self-sufficiency through concrete and strategic measures. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the government has begun addressing a number of structural challenges in the agricultural sector that have hampered farmer productivity. These include fertilizer shortages, limited water and seed supplies, fluctuating agricultural prices, and the presence of a mafia that manipulates the agricultural sector. These issues have now become the government’s primary focus.
Vice President Gibran made this statement while attending the National Sugar Self-Sufficiency Farmers’ Consultation held in Sleman, Yogyakarta. At the forum, he emphasized that food self-sufficiency is no longer just a past ideal, but a national strategic program that will be fully implemented. He stated that he and President Prabowo Subianto have established a policy direction to free farmers from the obstacles that have hindered them.
According to Gibran, various obstacles such as fertilizer shortages, difficult access to water, limited quality seeds, and often unstable agricultural product prices must be addressed immediately. He highlighted the existence of parties who abuse the agricultural distribution system and make things difficult for farmers. He emphasized that the government will not allow such mafias to continue to exist in the food sector.
Gibran, not stopping at acknowledging the problem, outlined concrete government steps. He emphasized that relevant ministries will move quickly to resolve each obstacle. He even encouraged the central and regional governments and law enforcement agencies to continue strengthening synergy to create a clean and productive agricultural ecosystem.
He also shared an interesting story from his experience attending a sugarcane harvest in Banyuwangi some time ago. At that time, Gibran received direct input from farmers regarding partnerships and land status. However, the situation was not allowed to drag on. Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman immediately intervened and responded quickly to the farmers’ aspirations. Gibran appreciated this swift action as a clear demonstration that the government is not remaining silent in the face of public complaints.
These strategic steps demonstrate the government’s seriousness in restructuring the food sector. Not only through an administrative approach, but also directly on the ground, listening, and acting quickly.
The government also recognizes that achieving food self-sufficiency requires support from all elements of the nation. One such active stakeholder is the defense institution. Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto expressed his support for national strategic programs, including in the food sector. He emphasized that the TNI is ready to contribute by optimizing its role and assets to support government development programs, including strengthening food security.
According to the TNI Commander, synergy between defense and the productive sector is a crucial element in maintaining national stability. He also ensured that the TNI is ready to support the government’s agenda, including through the management of TNI-owned land with the potential to be developed into strategic agricultural land.
Meanwhile, at the macro policy level, President Prabowo Subianto has consistently directed that the food self-sufficiency program be accelerated. For him, food self-sufficiency is not merely a matter of national logistical sufficiency, but also a matter of national dignity and sovereignty. On numerous occasions, he has emphasized the importance of building a modern, efficient, and pro-smallholder national agricultural system.
This commitment is also reflected in the promotion of agricultural technology. Gibran encourages farmers to become familiar with the use of modern tools such as drones for land monitoring and smart irrigation systems. He believes that digital transformation also needs to reach villages so that our farmers do not fall behind other countries.
In the fertilizer sector, the government is conducting strict oversight to ensure distribution is leak-free and on-target. Warehouses are being strengthened, digitalization systems are being implemented, and the distribution chain is being cut off from the hands of speculators. Farmers are no longer alone. The government is present and protecting them with concrete measures.
Regarding pricing, the government is developing a buffer mechanism to prevent farmers from becoming victims of market manipulation. Partnerships between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and farmers are being expanded. Financial institutions are being encouraged to provide access to affordable credit for farmers. All of this is designed to return agriculture to being a promising and highly competitive sector.
The spirit of food self-sufficiency is not just on paper; it is beginning to be felt on the ground. From sugarcane fields in Banyuwangi, rice paddies in Central Java, to gardens in Sulawesi and Sumatra.In this era, the movement toward national food self-sufficiency is gaining momentum. And this is just the beginning.
The decisive steps taken by the government today lay a crucial foundation for the Golden Indonesia 2045. With full support from ministries, the defense apparatus, and, of course, the public, the ambitious target of food self-sufficiency is not only realistic but also achievable.
Now is the time for all parties to unite. The government has rolled out the policy carpet. Farmers are working hard in the fields. Officials are on guard, and leaders are supporting. If all goes hand in hand, it’s possible that Indonesia will once again be known as the world’s food basket.
)* Strategic Issues Observer
