By: Syafruddin MH)*
Amidst the ongoing social and political dynamics, food issues remain a top priority for the government. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that food sovereignty is a crucial foundation for national resilience, and therefore, the food self-sufficiency program is a key development agenda. The public naturally places high hopes for the continued availability of basic necessities at stable prices, especially when the political situation is often marred by demonstrations that could disrupt stability. The government’s commitment to food management is not only a form of responsibility to the people but also a long-term strategy for safeguarding the nation’s future.
Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasized that food price stability is a top priority, in line with the President’s directive. According to him, President Prabowo has repeatedly emphasized that food self-sufficiency is the most vital program currently being implemented by the government. The increase in rice production in the 2024–2025 period, which has brought Bulog’s stock to over 4 million tons, is concrete evidence of the government’s real work. However, Tito also reminded that abundant stocks are not enough, as price stability is key to ensuring the public truly feels the benefits. Therefore, maintaining controlled inflation within the range of 1.5 to 3.5 percent is a strategic target to balance the interests of producers and consumers.
Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs urged regional governments to be more proactive in monitoring food prices in their respective areas. Regional government involvement is crucial, as regional conditions can vary depending on market conditions and geographic factors. With careful monitoring, interventions can be implemented more quickly to prevent price fluctuations among the public. Maintaining food stability not only ensures the community’s basic needs but also mitigates potential social unrest. Thus, food issues can truly unite the nation amidst the hustle and bustle of political dynamics.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that food self-sufficiency cannot be achieved without cross-sector synergy. He stated that strengthening pumping, improving irrigation networks, and optimizing the use of agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) are currently being prioritized. The massive pumping program implemented in various regions has proven effective in maintaining rice field productivity amidst minimal rainfall. This significantly reduces the threat of declining production due to climate change.
Minister of Agriculture Amran also emphasized the importance of collaboration with farmers, extension workers, and local governments. Without such synergy, food policy will remain mere slogans without tangible results on the ground. Through agricultural modernization and targeted distribution of production facilities, the government is optimistic that Indonesia can maintain food security while increasing competitiveness. This focus is not limited to rice, but also other food commodities that play a vital role in people’s daily consumption. These steps align with President Prabowo’s vision of placing food security as a key pillar of national development.
The central government’s efforts have also received significant support from local governments. Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya stated that his region is currently entering the peak rice harvest season. To strengthen Sleman’s contribution to national food security, the district government is focusing on improving the technical irrigation network, which is a key pillar of agricultural productivity. Cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture is also being strengthened, particularly in ensuring the availability of fertilizer for farmers. This policy is believed to be able to maintain land productivity while improving the welfare of farming communities.
Harda added that the Sleman Regency Government continues to promote the use of modern technology in the agricultural sector. This includes the use of agricultural tools and machinery for work efficiency, technology to increase land productivity, and digital marketing to expand market access for farmers. Agricultural modernization is key to addressing the challenges of land conversion and labor shortages in the agricultural sector. With an integrated approach, Sleman is committed to maintaining food sustainability while contributing to national food self-sufficiency.
The central and regional governments’ focus on maintaining food security demonstrates that food security is not simply a matter of the availability of basic commodities, but rather a broader strategy for safeguarding national sovereignty. In a global context full of uncertainty, including the threat of climate change and geopolitical dynamics, Indonesia cannot afford to rely on imports. Successfully maintaining food self-sufficiency will strengthen Indonesia’s position in the eyes of the world as an independent and sovereign nation. It will also provide assurance to the public that their basic needs remain the government’s top priority.
Amidst significant efforts to safeguard food sovereignty, violent demonstrations have the potential to disrupt stability and worsen social conditions. Demonstrations that damage public facilities or disrupt food distribution will not provide solutions to the nation’s problems. Instead, they could hinder the government’s efforts to accelerate strategic programs. Therefore, the public needs to realize that supporting food security programs is far more beneficial than engaging in unproductive actions.
)* The author is an observer of economics and agriculture.