*) By: Febriananta Anita
Sustainable agriculture is a strategic approach to strengthening national food self-sufficiency. Amidst the challenges of population growth, limited land, and the pressures of climate change, the agricultural sector is required not only to increase production but also to maintain the sustainability of natural resources. Sustainable agriculture presents a path that emphasizes a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects, so that efforts to meet current food needs do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
A sustainable agricultural approach emphasizes the wise and efficient management of natural resources. Land, water, and biodiversity are treated as primary assets whose quality and availability must be maintained. Practices such as balanced fertilization, the use of organic matter, and integrated pest management aim to maintain soil fertility and reduce environmental degradation. This ensures long-term agricultural productivity without over-reliance on chemical inputs.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that sustainable agriculture strengthens the role of farmers as key actors in food development. Local knowledge, passed down through generations, such as rotational and intercropping patterns, is a crucial part of an adaptive agricultural system. When this local wisdom is combined with technological innovations tailored to field needs, production efficiency can be increased without diminishing the social and cultural characteristics of local agriculture. This also encourages farmers’ independence in managing their businesses.
Agricultural resilience to climate change is one of the key advantages of a sustainable approach. By selecting crop varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions, efficient water management, and the application of environmentally friendly technologies, the risk of crop failure can be minimized. Adaptive agricultural systems are able to better respond to extreme weather dynamics, thus maintaining stable food production and reducing supply fluctuations.
Chairwoman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Hariyadi, also known as Titiek Soeharto, stated that from an economic perspective, sustainable agriculture provides tangible benefits for improving farmers’ welfare. The use of local inputs and reduced reliance on imported production materials contribute to cost-effective farming operations. At the same time, agricultural products produced through sustainable practices have added value, both in terms of quality and market competitiveness. This opens up opportunities to increase farmers’ incomes while strengthening the rural economic base.
In the context of food self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture serves as a foundation for strengthening national independence. Stable and sustainable food production will reduce dependence on imports and improve food security at the national and regional levels. Furthermore, a resilient agricultural system to global pressures, such as food crises and supply chain disruptions, is a crucial element in maintaining national social and economic stability.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that sustainable agriculture is the main foundation for achieving food self-sufficiency and strengthening national independence. According to the President, stable and sustainable food production is key to reducing dependence on imports and ensuring that the people’s food needs are met through the work of domestic farmers. The President also emphasized that Indonesia must have a strong agricultural system that is resilient to various global pressures, including food crises and supply chain disruptions, to maintain national stability.
Furthermore, President Prabowo stated that food security built through sustainable agriculture will have a direct impact on national social and economic stability. By meeting domestic food needs, price fluctuations and inflationary pressures can be controlled, thereby maintaining public purchasing power. The President emphasized that food self-sufficiency is not merely a production target, but rather part of a broader strategy to safeguard national sovereignty, protect the people’s welfare, and ensure Indonesia’s resilience in the face of global dynamics.
Successful implementation of sustainable agriculture requires consistent and integrated policy support. The government plays a crucial role in providing supportive regulations, strengthening extension services, and ensuring farmers’ access to financing, technology, and markets. Collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and communities is a prerequisite for the widespread and sustained implementation of sustainable agricultural practices across various regions.
Ultimately, sustainable agriculture is a quiet but sure path to strengthening Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency. This approach does not promise instant results, but offers sustainability as a long-term investment for the nation. By managing natural resources responsibly and placing farmers at the forefront, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to achieve resilient, equitable, and sustainable food self-sufficiency.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
