By: Noviyanti )*
The government remains committed to maintaining national stability, particularly in the food sector. Amidst the widespread demonstrations in various regions, attention to food self-sufficiency has not been relaxed. Instead, the government has emphasized that all strategic programs and policies launched to achieve national food security remain on track. In this context, President Prabowo Subianto stated that food sovereignty is the primary foundation for maintaining overall national resilience.
The public places high expectations on the government to ensure the continued availability of basic necessities at stable prices, especially during times of social unrest. The government has responded to this expectation through various concrete efforts, from increasing agricultural production to strengthening food distribution. Food issues are not merely a matter of food, but also concern the nation’s dignity and the future of future generations. In situations like this, a country’s ability to provide for its people’s basic needs is a measure of government effectiveness and the strength of a nation.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian stated that the government has prepared a measurable strategy to maintain food availability and affordability. One indicator of success is the national rice stock, which by mid-2025 had exceeded 4 million tons. This achievement is the result of collective work between the central and regional governments and various stakeholders. However, the government is not solely focused on stock availability but also on price stability to prevent disparities that harm the lower classes.
Food price stability remains a priority to maintain inflation within a safe range of 1.5 to 3.5 percent. This step is crucial to ensure equitable access to food for all segments of society without being burdened by volatile price fluctuations. Regional governments are also encouraged to proactively monitor price developments in their respective regions to ensure there are no gaps that could lead to disparities. An effective monitoring system allows for swifter interventions to maintain market balance.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that achieving food self-sufficiency requires strong synergy across sectors. Policy alone is not enough; technical aspects must also be addressed, such as strengthening irrigation networks, accelerating pumping, and optimizing the use of agricultural tools and machinery. This agricultural modernization program has proven effective in maintaining productivity amidst the challenges of climate change and limited natural resources. Food security means not only sufficient food but also sustainability and adaptability to the changing times.
The government also continues to strengthen collaboration with farmers, agricultural extension workers, and regional officials to ensure policies are translated into concrete actions. The distribution of fertilizer, superior seeds, and appropriate agricultural technology is targeted to improve efficiency and yields. This demonstrates that the self-sufficiency program focuses not only on rice but also encompasses other strategic commodities such as corn, soybeans, and horticulture. With this comprehensive approach, Indonesia is on track to become a food self-sufficient country while simultaneously being able to compete in regional and global markets.
Support for this program also comes from the local government. Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya stated that his region is entering the peak harvest season and continues to strengthen agricultural infrastructure as a contribution to national food security. The Sleman Regency Government is also prioritizing improvements to irrigation and sustainable fertilizer distribution, while encouraging the use of modern technology in agriculture. This aligns with the spirit of transforming the agricultural sector to become more productive, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
These steps demonstrate that food issues are inseparable from the strategic dimensions of national development. While other sectors can be affected by political turmoil, the stability of the food sector must be maintained, as it concerns the basic needs of all citizens. Therefore, the government prioritizes the principles of continuity and resilience in continuing the self-sufficiency program, regardless of evolving political dynamics.
Unfortunately, despite the government’s strong commitment to maintaining food security, the wave of demonstrations occurring in various regions has the potential to disrupt food distribution and logistics. Demonstrations that escalate into anarchic actions, such as roadblocks, vandalism of public facilities, or closure of transportation access, risk harming the wider community. The government has emphasized that all aspirations are respected as long as they are expressed peacefully and within the law.
Therefore, the public is expected to discern common interests and avoid actions that are counterproductive to development efforts. Food security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the government’s. Maintaining stability in this sector means safeguarding the nation’s future. Amid global challenges and climate uncertainty, Indonesia must not be trapped in internal conflicts that would weaken the nation’s foundations.
The government emphasized that mass demonstrations would not disrupt the food self-sufficiency program, which has been designed in a measured and systematic manner. All government agencies, both central and regional, continue to work according to their respective mandates to ensure that the public continues to have access to sufficient and affordable food. Food security is not just a program, but a concrete commitment to upholding the nation’s dignity.
)* The author is an economic observer