By: Arif Wicaksono)*
The Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka governments are placing food and energy security as top priorities in their strategy towards national independence. Both recognize that the food and energy sectors are two fundamental pillars that support economic, political, and social stability. In facing global challenges, such as the food crisis and climate change, the Prabowo-Gibran government views independence in these two sectors as an important step towards realizing a strong and independent Indonesia.
One of the main strategies implemented by this government is to strengthen national food production through a food self-sufficiency program. The government targets to increase the production of main commodities such as rice, corn, and soybeans by maximizing the use of agricultural land. This initiative is not only aimed at reducing dependence on imports, but also to ensure that the community’s food needs can be met with good quality and stable prices.
Minister of Agriculture (Mentan), Andi Amran Sulaiman said that his party has prepared a detailed framework or blueprint of the program in the food sector for the Prabowo-Gibran administration. Self-sufficiency in energy-independent food is the highest ideal in the Indonesian food sector which can increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 4.8 percent. This can be realized through concrete steps, such as the implementation of a nutritious food yard program, increasing milk and cattle production, and developing strategic export commodities.
To support the success of food self-sufficiency, the Prabowo-Gibran government is also encouraging the modernization of the agricultural sector. Increasing technology and the use of modern agricultural tools are the main focus so that agricultural productivity increases significantly. Later, the government will also pay attention to training for farmers so that they are better able to manage agricultural resources efficiently. This is expected to encourage better agricultural yields and reduce poverty rates in rural areas.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Social Association (PSMTI), Wilianto Tanta said that his party will fully support the vision of food security carried by the 2024 President-elect, Prabowo Subianto in his upcoming government. PSMTI is preparing the best cadres to contribute to the upcoming Prabowo-Gibran government.
In addition to food security, the Prabowo-Gibran government also emphasizes the importance of energy security in realizing national independence. Both agree that dependence on energy imports, especially fossil fuels, must be minimized. Therefore, this government is strengthening the use of renewable energy as the main energy source. This step is in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and maintain environmental sustainability.
In the energy security strategy, the government is directing attention to the development of renewable energy potential such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. The construction of solar power plants in various regions and increasing bioenergy production from agricultural waste are among the solutions to meet domestic energy needs. The Prabowo-Gibran government is also committed to increasing investment in the renewable energy sector to create new jobs and grow a greener and more sustainable energy industry.
To realize independence in the energy sector, the government also encourages diversification of energy sources. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is expected to increase long-term economic stability and reduce vulnerability to global energy price fluctuations. In the long term, strong energy security will strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global arena, especially in developing mining downstreaming.
Deputy Chairman of the Energy Commission of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the 2019-2024 period, Eddy Soeparno, said that the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Government will encourage sustainable nickel downstreaming because Indonesia is the largest producer and owner of the world’s main nickel reserves. This is an effort to achieve 8% economic growth. Downstreaming of minerals, especially nickel, is not only strategic to increase added value, but also becomes a driving force for the energy transition through the electric vehicle ecosystem.
The overall strategy carried out by the Prabowo-Gibran Government is not only to overcome domestic challenges, but also to prepare Indonesia to face global challenges. With solid food and energy security, Indonesia will have a strong foundation to develop as an independent country, not only in meeting domestic needs, but also as a major player in international trade.
Through a commitment to food and energy independence, the Prabowo-Gibran government can build a more stable, sustainable and highly competitive economic foundation. These strategic steps will be an integral part of their vision to build a stronger, more independent and ready Indonesia to face future challenges.
In addition, the government also recognizes the importance of collaboration with the private sector and the community in achieving food and energy security. Prabowo-Gibran encourages partnerships between the government, business actors, and farmers through people’s economic empowerment programs. Support in the form of access to capital, counseling, and ease of licensing is expected to encourage innovation in the agricultural and energy sectors. With solid collaboration, Indonesia can maximize the potential of existing resources to achieve sustainable independence, while improving the welfare of the wider community.
)* The author is a student who lives in Surabaya.