Food Independence is Part of the Foundation of a Nation’s Strength in Facing Global Challenges
Jakarta — Food self-sufficiency is seen as one of the main foundations of national strength in facing global uncertainty.
This was conveyed by President Prabowo Subianto in his speech during the discussion of the 2026 Draft State Budget, which placed food independence as one of the strategic sectors in strengthening Indonesia’s sovereignty and competitiveness on the world stage.
President Prabowo stated that national rice stocks have reached 4.2 million tons, the highest in Indonesian history. According to data from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), government reserves are recorded at 4,237,120 tons and commercial stocks at 14,139 tons, setting a record since Bulog’s founding in 1969.
“For the first time in decades, Indonesia is again exporting rice and corn,” Prabowo said.
To achieve food independence, the government is opening up 2 million hectares of new agricultural land, with the main focus being on Merauke, South Papua, which is projected to become a new food barn.
This effort was accompanied by an increase in the purchase price of unhusked rice to IDR 6,500 per kilogram, reduction in bureaucratic red tape in fertilizer distribution, and provision of agricultural tools and machinery.
“Farmers are smiling because the price of paddy is stable and their income is increasing,” he said.
In line with this, DPD RI Member, Fahira Idris stated that in the 80th anniversary of independence, food security must “upgrade” to food independence.
Fahira proposed six breakthroughs, starting from food diversification, expanding the role of Bulog, building 100,000 modern communal barns, climate-resilient agriculture, linking food programs with nutritional improvements, to establishing an integrated data-based One Food Map system.
“With this system, decisions such as harvest absorption, distribution, or market operations can be made quickly and accurately,” said Fahira.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), Ahmad Muzani, assessed that the direction of development under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto demonstrated a strong determination to make Indonesia a great, sovereign, and globally respected country.
One of the focuses is food independence accompanied by strategic programs such as Free Nutritious Meals, Red and White Cooperatives, People’s Schools, and Free Health Check-ups.
According to Muzani, these programs not only meet the people’s basic needs, but also drive the local economy, promote equal education, and strengthen the nation’s social and economic resilience.
“In other words, we are now on the right track,” he concluded.
