By: Puteri Dewi Aruan )*
Advances in high technology and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) are now important milestones in accelerating the transformation of the national agricultural sector. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency through a scientific, measurable, and data-driven approach. This step is not merely a development strategy, but a major leap toward economic independence and national resilience amidst increasingly competitive global dynamics.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence and precision technology is key to Indonesia’s efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. The government recognizes that in the digital era, food security no longer depends solely on land area or labor, but rather on the country’s ability to utilize technology to increase efficiency and productivity. With artificial intelligence, agricultural systems are now able to predict the weather, determine the best planting patterns, and optimize water and fertilizer use, all of which lead to higher and higher-quality harvests.
The success of this high-tech implementation is beginning to be felt. According to a government report, national rice production in 2025 will reach 33.1 million tons and is expected to reach 34 million tons by the end of the year, an increase of four million tons compared to the previous year. Corn production has also surged by 30 percent, bringing Indonesia closer to its self-sufficiency target. In fact, national rice reserves in government warehouses have now reached a historic 4.2 million tons. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that, barring extreme climate disruptions, Indonesia will soon stop importing rice, a monumental achievement in the nation’s modern agricultural history.
This government policy goes hand in hand with advances in research and innovation emerging from national universities and research institutions. Hasanuddin University (Unhas), for example, has made a breakthrough by introducing the Rice Seed Spreading Drone, a rice seed-spreading drone designed to increase planting efficiency and reduce production costs. This drone uses a high-precision GPS system that ensures more even and uniform seed distribution, resulting in neat planting patterns and optimal plant growth. The Ministry of Agriculture has even expressed its readiness to acquire 1,000 of these drones as part of the national agricultural modernization program.
According to the Rector of Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Jamaluddin Jompa stated that this innovation symbolizes the nation’s progress and independence in mastering agricultural technology. Meanwhile, the Head of the Drone Development Team, Dr. Eng. Andi Amijoyo Mochtar, explained that the design represents a concrete response to the challenges farmers face in the field, who require efficient, precise, and labor-saving solutions. This initiative demonstrates that synergy between the government, academics, and business actors is a crucial element in strengthening an innovation-based agricultural ecosystem.
The application of high technology in agriculture has ushered Indonesia into a new era, known as the concept of Precision Agriculture (Smart Farming). This system utilizes data, sensors, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence algorithms to help farmers make more accurate decisions about everything from planting times and water requirements to fertilization and pest control. As a result, productivity can double, while the use of natural resources becomes more efficient and environmentally friendly.
According to Dr. I Ketut Kariyasa, Head of the Center for Plantation Agriculture Assembly and Modernization, Ministry of Agriculture, the agricultural sector is the nation’s main strength. From rice fields and fields managed with modern technology, Indonesia not only produces food for its people but also upholds national economic sovereignty. Innovation-based agricultural development is the path to advanced, independent, and sustainable agriculture, which is the foundation of Golden Indonesia 2045.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also initiated the 2025 Food Independence Program, which includes optimizing 500,000 hectares of land, building new irrigation systems on 225,000 hectares, and implementing agricultural water pumps in 500,000 hectares of production areas. This program is combined with agricultural mechanization using modern tractors, combine harvesters, rice transplanters, and agricultural drones, which can reduce production costs by up to 50 percent. All of these steps are aimed at ensuring that every farmer can work productively and efficiently amidst climate change and increasing global food demand.
The digital transformation of agriculture is also attracting the younger generation. Through the Millennial Farmer, Millennial Agriculture Ambassador, and Food Brigade programs, the governmentThe government is striving to present a new face for the agricultural sector as a modern, innovative, and economically promising sector. The younger generation now has a significant opportunity to become key players in agribusiness and agritech, bringing the spirit of digital entrepreneurship to villages and national production areas.
Optimizing high technology and precision agriculture not only creates a leap in productivity but also symbolizes the nation’s independence in managing its own resources. Amidst the global food crisis and international economic pressures, Indonesia has demonstrated that food security can be achieved through innovation, collaboration, and the courage to take major steps. With visionary leadership and strong research support, the government is making the path to food self-sufficiency not just a dream, but a reality that is increasingly close to being realized.
Through this grand strategy, Indonesia is solidifying its position as a new force in modern global agriculture—a nation capable not only of feeding its own people but also of supporting global food security. High-tech agriculture is Indonesia’s future, and that future is now flourishing in every rice field in the country.
)* The author is an economics and development journalist