By: Arka Dwi Francesco*)
The government continues to demonstrate a serious commitment to developing an integrated strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency. This step aligns with President Prabowo’s national priority, which places food self-sufficiency as a crucial foundation for strengthening national resilience. Concrete programs demonstrate that the government is truly working, not just making promises. Amidst uncertain global dynamics, from climate change to geopolitical instability affecting global supply chains, food security is crucial for Indonesia’s ability to stand firm without over-reliance on imports.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the government has prepared a strategic program through Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 14 of 2025 and Presidential Decree (Kepres) Number 19 of 2025. These two regulations specifically regulate the acceleration of the development of food, energy, and water self-sufficiency areas in several potential regions. These areas are being prepared as new food barns, supported by extensive land and abundant natural resources. According to him, this program will be a crucial milestone for long-term national food security.
The government is targeting food self-sufficiency within the next two to three years. This target reflects the government’s courage and decisiveness in taking strategic steps to ensure national independence. This optimism is not without foundation, as various foundations have been carefully prepared, from the opening of new food zones, modernization of agricultural equipment and technology, to policies to strengthen village economic institutions. With strong synergy between ministries and institutions, achieving self-sufficiency in a relatively short time is not impossible.
The government’s efforts are also reinforced by a policy to stop importing several strategic commodities starting in 2025. The National Food Agency has announced that Indonesia will no longer import rice, sugar, salt, or corn, as domestic supplies are believed to be sufficient for national needs. This policy marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s food history and serves as clear evidence that the government is serious about closing its dependence on foreign markets. This will ensure more stable domestic food prices, maintain government reserves, and improve the welfare of local farmers in a fair and equitable manner.
Meanwhile, the availability of fertilizer, a determining factor in agricultural productivity, is also a serious concern for the government. Gusrizal, President Director of Pupuk Kaltim, stated that by the first semester of 2025, Pupuk Kaltim’s production had reached 3.5 million tons, or 54.5 percent of the annual target of 6.43 million tons. This production consisted of 1.86 million tons of urea, 149,000 tons of NPK, and 1.49 million tons of ammonia. This performance is considered positive because it is able to maintain a stable national fertilizer supply. Distribution of subsidized fertilizer continues to be expanded so that farmers can obtain fertilizer on time according to their planting season needs. The Ministry of Agriculture also ensures that subsidized fertilizer stocks remain secure, with distribution reaching 4.8 million tons, or 59 percent of the national allocation of 9.55 million tons. This policy is projected to directly benefit 14.9 million farmers throughout Indonesia.
In addition to fertilizer, the availability of superior seeds is a key focus for increasing agricultural productivity. The Acting Director General of Agro-Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, has emphasized the importance of developing hybrid rice seeds on numerous occasions. These superior seeds have been proven to produce higher yields and are resistant to pests and extreme weather conditions. With the support of continued research and innovation, hybrid seeds are expected to become a long-term solution to boost national rice productivity. This also aligns with the government’s program to increase agricultural sector efficiency through the use of technology and innovation in the agro-industry.
This integrated policy demonstrates that the government is not only focused on increasing production but also on building a resilient food system from upstream to downstream. From clearing new land, supporting superior seeds, ensuring fertilizer availability, to efficient distribution through village cooperatives, everything is designed to create a competitive and sustainable food ecosystem. With the active involvement of village communities and the support of modern agricultural technology, Indonesia is on track to achieve food self-sufficiency in the near future.
Food self-sufficiency is not merely a short-term goal to meet domestic consumption needs. More than that, self-sufficiency is a key pillar of national resilience, maintaining price stability, and strengthening national sovereignty. In the context of long-term development, food self-sufficiency will be a crucial foundation for realizing the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045. With the integrated strategy currently being implemented, the government is sending a strong signal that food security is not just about food availability, but also part of a broader strategy to prepare a healthy, strong, and globally competitive future generation.
)* The author is a national food observer
