Jakarta – The government has affirmed its full commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency as a strategic step to safeguard national sovereignty and create employment opportunities for the community. This program is seen not only as a matter of food security but also as a driving force for economic growth and public welfare.
President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia must be able to stand on its own two feet to meet its food needs. He emphasized that dependence on imports will only weaken the nation’s competitiveness and threaten national dignity.
“Indonesia cannot continue to rely on imports. We have fertile land, human resources, and technology that can be utilized to strengthen domestic production,” the President emphasized.
Furthermore, the President assured that the government will fully oversee this strategic policy. The self-sufficiency program will be promoted through the provision of fertilizer subsidies, superior seeds, and more equitable agricultural infrastructure development. This way, farmers in all regions can have equal access to increased productivity.
“The government will fully support this program through fertilizer subsidies, superior seeds, and more equitable agricultural infrastructure development,” he said.
In addition to ensuring food availability, the President believes that achieving self-sufficiency will have a broad impact on public welfare. New jobs will be created, particularly in the upstream and downstream agricultural sectors. “Achieving self-sufficiency is not just about food availability, but is also closely related to national pride and job opportunities for the community,” he added.
Support for this program also comes from the business sector, including PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI). Through the Red and White Cattle Program, BRI demonstrates its commitment to being a vital part of supporting national food security.
BRI President Director Hery Gunardi emphasized that the success of the self-sufficiency program requires collaboration from all parties. As a bank focused on empowering MSMEs, BRI is ready to provide financing solutions, mentoring, and strengthening the agribusiness ecosystem.
“As a bank focused on empowering the MSME segment, BRI is contributing to the success of the Red and White Cattle Program through financing, mentoring, and ecosystem strengthening. We believe this program will contribute significantly to food security, create jobs, and reduce cattle imports,” he explained.
With government commitment and support from the business sector, food self-sufficiency is believed to be no longer just a dream, but a reality that will strengthen national independence. This program is expected to create millions of new jobs, reduce unemployment, and move Indonesia toward sustainable food sovereignty.