By: Damar Saputra )*
President and vice president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka have introduced a new program aimed at strengthening food security in Indonesia. The program will focus on independent agriculture, with an emphasis on providing quality fertilizer and seeds to support farmers.
It is said that food security is a crucial issue amidst global challenges such as climate change and population growth. In an effort to achieve food independence, the availability of fertilizer at affordable prices is expected to reduce the burden on farmers. The plan to implement a more effective fertilizer subsidy program is stated to be an important step to overcome the problem of high fertilizer prices that often burden farmers.
Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, said about the food security program for the Prabowo-Gibran government is very interesting and relevant, especially in the context of the demographic bonus that Indonesia is facing. With a significant proportion of millennials and Gen-Z who will enter the workforce and become economic drivers, it is important for the government to utilize this potential optimally.
One of the proposed steps, namely the creation of modern agricultural clusters that integrate digital technology, is the right strategy. This will not only increase production efficiency, but also attract the interest of the younger generation to get involved in the agricultural sector, which is often considered less attractive. By utilizing digital literacy, the millennial generation can be involved in agricultural innovations, such as the use of applications for land management, product marketing, and data analysis that can improve agricultural yields.
The success of this program depends heavily on adequate infrastructure and easy access to technology. The government needs to ensure that farmers, especially those from remote areas, have access to these resources. In addition, education and training must be provided consistently so that the younger generation will not only become users of technology, but also innovators in the agricultural sector.
With a comprehensive approach, this effort can be a significant driver in improving food security and strengthening the national economy. It is important for all parties, including the private sector and the community, to collaborate in supporting this program in order to achieve a greater goal.
Improving the fertilizer distribution system is a priority. A more efficient system is projected to allow farmers, including those in remote areas, to more easily access the fertilizer they need. This is believed to have a positive impact on overall agricultural productivity.
The availability of superior seeds also received special attention. Efforts to develop seed varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases were put forward as part of this program. Seeds that are adaptive to various climate conditions are expected to be able to increase crop yields and farmer incomes. In this case, collaboration with research institutions and universities is said to be the key to success.
Mentoring and training for farmers is another important component of this program. Education on modern and sustainable agricultural techniques is believed to increase agricultural efficiency and productivity. In this regard, cooperation with local agricultural offices and farmer organizations is expected to facilitate better and more relevant knowledge for farmers in the field.
With these steps, the pair hopes to not only improve national food security, but also the welfare of farmers. Increasing food production is considered to create new jobs and improve the income of rural communities. This, in turn, is expected to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on food imports, which has become a significant problem for the national economy.
Through this independent farming program, Prabowo and Gibran show their commitment to realizing more sustainable and independent farming in Indonesia. The success of this program is not only expected to bring direct benefits to farmers, but also have a positive impact on the national economy as a whole.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Chinese Social Association (PSMTI) expressed its readiness to assist the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka administrations. The statement by the General Chairperson of PSMTI, Wilianto Tanta, is also ready to be a strategic partner of the Government in maintaining food sovereignty and handling stunting.
The existence of PSMTI as an organized business community opens up opportunities for investment that can improve the agricultural sector and food security as a whole. This support also reflects the awareness of social responsibility of Chinese entrepreneurs in Indonesia. By focusing on food security and stunting issues, PSMTI not only contributes economically, but also plays an active role in improving the quality of life of the community. This shows that the business community is not only profit-oriented, but also cares about the welfare of the community.
With high hopes, many parties are optimistic about the implementation of the Prabowo-Gibran program in maintaining food availability. The guaranteed availability of fertilizers and seeds and the support given to farmers are concrete steps towards better food security. This is believed to bring Indonesia towards a more independent and sustainable future in the food sector.
)* The author is a Digital Economic Policy Observer – Nusantara Digital Economic Institute