Advancement of Agricultural Machinery Drives Modernization Toward National Food Self-Sufficiency
Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen its efforts toward achieving national food self-sufficiency through the transformation of the agricultural sector based on modern technology.
During his visit to the Center for Agricultural Mechanization Assembly and Modernization (BRMP Mektan) in Serpong, Tangerang, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman inspected the performance of the latest prototype of a combine harvester called MUD MAX.
Minister Amran emphasized that the advancement of agricultural machinery and equipment (alsintan) is a crucial pillar for improving both productivity and efficiency in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. He stated that the development of such tools serves as tangible proof of the nation’s progress toward sustainable modern agriculture.
“We are transforming from traditional to modern agriculture. We now use drones for fertilizing and planting, and we apply precision agriculture and smart farming. With modern agriculture, production costs decrease while productivity increases,” said Amran.
Amran explained that the MUD MAX is not only a symbol of progress in agricultural mechanization but also a milestone in advancing national agricultural technology independence. He expressed hope that the machine will continue to evolve — eventually becoming battery-powered and robotic-based.
“In the future, millennial and Gen Z farmers will be able to cultivate and harvest crops remotely through automation. That’s the vision of agriculture’s future,” he added.
According to the Minister, the prices of agricultural machines have also become more affordable thanks to improved domestic production efficiency. This progress, he said, enables farmers to access technology more easily.
“A combine harvester used to cost around IDR 600 million, but now it’s only about IDR 300 million. A rice transplanter that used to cost over IDR 60 million can now be obtained for around IDR 10 million,” he noted.
He added that the application of modern agricultural machinery has transformed work patterns in the farming sector. Previously, one hectare of rice fields required about 25 workers for planting, but now only one operator with a machine is needed.
“With technology, productivity rises, cropping indices improve, and production costs decrease. All of this brings us closer to the goal of national food self-sufficiency,” he concluded.
For reference, the MUD MAX Combine Harvester, an innovation by BRMP Mektan, features superior specifications: a working width of 2.05 meters, 100 HP engine power, and a 2,905 kg weight. With a low ground pressure of 0.17 kg/cm² and 480 mm ground clearance, it can operate effectively in muddy and soft-soil conditions—enhancing harvesting efficiency across Indonesia’s diverse geographical landscapes.
In addition to the MUD MAX, BRMP Mektan has also developed the Mini Transplanter 4 Row, a rice-planting machine designed for small and medium-sized fields. The tool has been tested in Central Lampung and received positive responses from farmers for its ease of operation and energy efficiency.
