By: Heriza Sativa )*
The administration of President Prabowo Subianto marks a new chapter in efforts to realize national food self-sufficiency. In a relatively short time, various strategic programs have begun to show significant results, especially in terms of increasing rice and corn production as two main commodities consumed by the Indonesian people. This progress is not only the result of the work of one party, but a real manifestation of synergy between the central government, regional governments, business actors, and farming communities. Cross-sector collaboration has proven to be the main key in driving national food independence.
President Prabowo confidently stated that Indonesia is moving rapidly towards food self-sufficiency. This confidence is not without foundation. The latest data shows that national rice production has increased significantly, even setting a record high throughout history. Rice stocks in government warehouses have reached 3.7 million tons, a surprising achievement considering that in just six months after being inaugurated, President Prabowo has been able to bring about major changes in the national agricultural sector.
This success was driven by the policy of expanding rice fields, especially in areas previously considered unproductive such as swamps. The transformation of these lands into fertile agricultural areas has succeeded in significantly increasing productivity. In South Sumatra, for example, the increase in rice production has reached 25%, far above the national average of around 10%. This shows that the strategy of utilizing marginal land is a smart solution in expanding the national food production base.
The success towards food self-sufficiency is strengthened by comprehensive synergy driven by central government policies together with all stakeholders. Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, on various occasions emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy. He emphasized that achieving food self-sufficiency in less than three years is an ambition that can only be achieved with comprehensive cooperation between the central government, regions, farmers, extension workers, and of course the private sector. Without national mutual cooperation, this ideal will be difficult to achieve.
One real form of this collaboration is the use of agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan). The Head of the Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency (BPPSDMP), Idha Widi Arsanti, said that the Government continues to ensure that alsintan is accompanied by extension so that its use is optimal in the field. In today’s era, agricultural mechanization is an absolute requirement to increase efficiency and productivity. However, for this transformation to have a real impact, comprehensive understanding and assistance to farmers is needed.
The private sector, especially those involved in food distribution and storage, also plays an important role. The State-Owned Logistics Agency (Bulog), as one of the spearheads of price stabilization and harvest absorption, has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the food self-sufficiency program. Acting Regional Head of the South Kalimantan Regional Office of Bulog, Panji Lintang MS, stated that Bulog continues to absorb farmers’ harvests in accordance with the government’s purchase price (HPP). This step not only provides price certainty for farmers, but also maintains stable supply in the market.
Bulog Kanwil Kalsel recorded an extraordinary achievement with rice stocks reaching 32,000 tons, the highest amount ever in the region. In order to anticipate the high volume of national food reserves, the government through Bulog is expanding storage capacity by collaborating with other BUMN such as PT BGR. This shows how serious the government is in maintaining food reserves, as an anticipatory step in facing various global dynamics, including the potential for a world food crisis.
This synergistic effort also reflects the collective spirit in building food security. The central government formulates strategic policies and programs, local governments carry out the execution and coordination functions in the field, while farmers are the spearheads in the field. The private sector provides supporting infrastructure, from distribution to logistics, as well as technology that accelerates the process of agricultural modernization. All parties have complementary and irreplaceable roles.
Looking at the current achievements, it is not an exaggeration to say that Indonesia is on the right track to realize sustainable food self-sufficiency. The challenges ahead are still great, ranging from climate change, limited productive land, to the dynamics of global commodity prices. However, with strong political will, technological support, and collaboration built on all fronts, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.
This success must continue to be maintained and improved. The government continues to strengthen supervision of the distribution of agricultural machinery, strengthening the role of extension workers, and protecting the selling price of harvested crops are important factors to keep farmers motivated. On the other hand, innovations in agriculture such as precision agriculture, the use of drones and the Internet of Things (IoT) for land monitoring also need to be expanded so that Indonesian agriculture is not only self-sufficient, but also globally competitive.
Collaboration is the main key to realizing national food independence. What was achieved in the first six months of President Prabowo’s administration is a strong signal that synergy between stakeholders can produce a big leap in a short time. This momentum must be maintained and expanded, so that food self-sufficiency is not just a slogan, but a reality that has an impact on the welfare of the people and the sovereignty of the nation.
)* the author is an observer of agricultural policy