Jakarta — The government continues to promote strategic efforts to achieve national independence through food and energy self-sufficiency. This step is considered crucial for strengthening national resilience, both in normal situations and in the face of potential future global crises.
Economist and Executive Director of the Segara Research Institute, Piter Abdullah, emphasized that food and energy issues are no longer merely economic issues, but have become part of the country’s defense strategy.
“In emergencies, such as geopolitical crises or disasters, dependence on imports is extremely risky. Therefore, the government is now focusing on strengthening the domestic sector,” he said in a dialogue with a Jakarta radio station.
According to Peter, the government has demonstrated its seriousness through various concrete steps, such as developing renewable energy, revitalizing agriculture, and improving the incentive system for farmers.
One of the main efforts is to encourage increased agricultural productivity by providing appropriate incentives. This is also expected to attract the younger generation back into the agricultural sector.
The government also continues to maintain a balance between affordable prices for consumers and fair incomes for producers. This strategy is considered effective in strengthening the purchasing power of rural communities while simultaneously promoting inclusive national economic growth.
Peter added that support for strategic commodities such as rice continues to be strengthened.
“Our harvest capacity is far greater than that of developed countries. The potential for rice self-sufficiency is very realistic,” he said.
Going forward, the approach to self-sufficiency will be more integrated. The government will begin developing data-driven policies, focusing on production efficiency, and ensuring sustainable prices for farmers.
Self-sufficiency projects are not only assessed based on land area, but also on the quality of management and certainty of results.
With comprehensive reforms to the agricultural and trade systems, the government is optimistic that the self-sufficiency target can be achieved in the medium term.
“This is not a short-term goal, but rather the foundation of national independence that will underpin the country’s stability and sovereignty going forward,” Peter concluded.
