Agricultural Modernization, the Key to the Success of Food Self-Sufficiency in the Prabowo Administration Era
Jakarta — The government under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto has recorded a new historic milestone in national development with the announcement of Indonesia’s successful achievement of food self-sufficiency. This accomplishment marks the return of Indonesia’s food glory as seen in the 1980s, while also serving as concrete evidence of the effectiveness of integrated and sustainable agricultural modernization policies.
President Prabowo Subianto officially announced national food self-sufficiency after Indonesia recorded the highest rice production in its history within a single year of his administration. This success is widely regarded as a strategic victory in strengthening national independence and resilience.
“Today we have recorded an important victory. What matters today is that you have provided tangible proof. You have recorded an important milestone in the independence of the Indonesian nation. By saying bismillah on January 7, 2026, I, President Prabowo Subianto, announce that food self-sufficiency for the people of Indonesia has been achieved,” President Prabowo said.
The achievement of food self-sufficiency cannot be separated from the massive and well-planned efforts to increase production. The government has combined intensification and extensification strategies in a balanced manner. On the intensification side, the strengthening of superior seeds, pump irrigation, land optimization, improvement and construction of irrigation networks, agricultural modernization, and the rejuvenation of agricultural machinery and equipment have been carried out comprehensively. Meanwhile, on the extensification side, the accelerated development of new rice fields has become a key focus to expand the national planting area.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that agricultural modernization through the application of technology and mechanization is the main key to ensuring sustainable food self-sufficiency. According to him, future agricultural challenges can no longer be addressed through conventional methods.
“Agricultural modernization is the key to maintaining national food security,” said Minister Amran.
He explained that the government continues to strengthen mechanization, the provision of production inputs, and farmer assistance across various regions in order to increase productivity and improve farmers’ welfare.
“We are encouraging innovation- and technology-based agriculture. With technology, productivity increases, the cropping index rises, production costs decline, and farmers’ welfare improves,” he explained.
The application of technology is clearly evident in the implementation of mass harvests using combine harvesters. The use of these machines has proven effective in accelerating the harvesting process, reducing yield losses, and decreasing dependence on manual labor. In addition, the use of the superior rice variety Inpari 32 developed by the Ministry of Agriculture—with a yield potential of up to 8.42 tons per hectare—has become a significant driver of increased national production.
The success of food self-sufficiency during President Prabowo’s administration demonstrates that agricultural modernization is not merely an option, but a strategic necessity. With a strong policy foundation, technological support, and firm commitment to farmers, Indonesia is optimistic about sustaining food security while strengthening national economic sovereignty in the long term.
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