Indonesia places food and energy self-sufficiency as the main priority in its national development strategy. This step is not merely a political ambition, but an urgent need to build a foundation for sustainable economic independence. With abundant natural resource potential and strategic geographical support, Indonesia has strong capital to realize this great ideal.
In the evaluation of the first six months of his leadership, President Prabowo Subianto gave high appreciation for the extraordinary achievements in the national food and energy sectors. Food production results have succeeded in exceeding initial projections with historic achievements in the form of the largest rice and corn stocks ever owned by Indonesia. Meanwhile, in the energy sector, the inauguration of the first operational wells of Forel and Terubuk in the Natuna region succeeded in increasing production capacity by 20 thousand barrels of oil and 60 million standard cubic feet of gas daily. This achievement proves that Indonesia has the real capacity to achieve independence in these two vital sectors.
The concept of true self-sufficiency is not limited to meeting domestic needs alone. As emphasized by INDEF economist Muhammad Rizal Taufikurahman, self-sufficiency means the ability to meet domestic needs while generating a surplus for export. This definition positions Indonesia not only as a consumer, but also as a producer and exporter that is able to contribute to global supply.
The agricultural sector has proven its role as the backbone of the national economy. This sector supports the socio-economic stability of the community. Its contribution to GDP shows that investment in this sector will have a significant multiplier effect. When agricultural productivity increases, the effect will spread to other sectors, creating a stronger and more resilient economic ecosystem.
Indonesia’s potential for food self-sufficiency is actually very promising when viewed from various fundamental aspects. First, in terms of agricultural land, Indonesia still has almost 7 million hectares of rice fields that have not been optimized optimally. Sub-optimal land such as swamp areas have also not been optimally developed, providing ample room for expansion to increase production. Second, Indonesia’s food biodiversity is very high, not only limited to rice but also alternative foods such as sago and sorghum which have great potential to be developed. Third, the potential for strategic commodity production such as corn, soybeans, and sugar shows enormous prospects for achieving food independence. Moreover, with Indonesia’s demographic bonus, the government has a golden opportunity to regenerate technology-based farmers, creating a new generation of more modern and productive farmers.
Indonesia’s potential for energy self-sufficiency is no less impressive than the food sector. Energy independence is a fundamental prerequisite for national economic stability. Dependence on energy imports not only drains the country’s foreign exchange, but also places the national economy in a vulnerable position to global price volatility and geopolitical tensions. By optimizing renewable energy potential and managing conventional resources wisely, Indonesia can build sustainable energy resilience.
Indonesia has positioned itself as one of the largest biodiesel producers in the world, utilizing the wealth of palm oil to produce environmentally friendly alternative fuels. The development of bioethanol from sugar cane and sorghum also shows extraordinary prospects for reducing dependence on gasoline imports. Meanwhile, natural gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) reserves are also strategic assets that can support national energy independence. This diversification of energy sources shows that Indonesia is not only rich in resources, but also has various options for achieving energy independence.
The political commitment of the current government provides a breath of fresh air for the self-sufficiency agenda. President Prabowo Subianto’s serious attention to farmer welfare and agricultural development shows a strong political will. However, as Rizal reminded, the key to success lies in consistent implementation and political courage to carry out strategic programs.
The biggest challenge is not in the conceptual or planning aspects, but in execution in the field. Therefore, a strict monitoring and evaluation system is needed, solid cross-ministerial coordination, and a long-term commitment that is not affected by short-term political dynamics.
Active participation from the private sector and civil society is a critical element in realizing self-sufficiency. Strategic partnerships between the government, business world, academics, and farmers must be built in asystematic. Technology transfer, access to financing, infrastructure development, and capacity building are areas that require intensive collaboration.
Food and energy self-sufficiency is not just a sectoral target, but a comprehensive strategy to build national economic independence. When Indonesia succeeds in meeting its food and energy needs independently, the impact will be widespread on macroeconomic stability, increasing competitiveness, and strengthening its geopolitical position in the regional and global arenas.
With the resources it has and the political commitment it has, Indonesia has a great opportunity to become an independent and sustainable economic power. The key lies in the consistency of implementation and synergy of all stakeholders in realizing the vision of national economic independence.
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Writer: Reenee WA (Economic and Foreign Policy Observer / Former Journalist)
Editor: Agush A. Apituley
