Food Self-Sufficiency is Concrete Evidence of the Government’s Efforts to Realize National Independence

By: Doni Laksana)*

Food self-sufficiency is one of the main milestones in realizing the independence of a nation. In Indonesia with its abundant natural resources and great agricultural potential, food self-sufficiency is not just a hope, but an inevitability that must continue to be pursued. Success in achieving food self-sufficiency reflects the ability of the Indonesian nation to stand on its own two feet, fulfilling the basic needs of the people without depending on imports from other countries. This is a real manifestation of sovereignty in the food sector, as well as strong evidence that this nation is able to independently manage its resources.
Food self-sufficiency is not only an economic issue, but also concerns the dignity and self-respect of the nation. A country that is able to fulfill its own food needs is a country that has high bargaining power in the international world. Indonesia, as an agricultural country that has vast fertile land, a tropical climate that supports agriculture throughout the year, and rich biodiversity, has all the basic capital to become an independent country in terms of food.
President Prabowo Subianto said his commitment to bring Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency in the next three to four years, as part of a grand strategy to build national sovereignty. With food independence as a top priority, President Prabowo’s government is optimistic that Indonesia can reduce dependence on imports and ensure price stability and the availability of basic necessities for all people.
National independence cannot be separated from the ability to meet the basic needs of its people. Food is the most basic need. If a country still relies on imports for its food needs, then the country is vulnerable to global pressure, international price fluctuations, and even geopolitical crises. Food self-sufficiency prevents Indonesia from such dependence. When the world faces major challenges such as pandemics, climate change, or global conflicts, countries that are able to meet their food needs independently will be more stable and resilient. Therefore, national food policy must be based on the principles of sovereignty and independence, not just a matter of economic efficiency.
Moreover, food self-sufficiency also opens up wide employment opportunities, especially in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. Millions of farmers and fishermen in Indonesia depend on this sector for their livelihoods. With government support through programs such as fertilizer subsidies, provision of superior seeds, training for millennial farmers, and construction of irrigation infrastructure and farm roads, agricultural productivity can continue to increase. This shows that food self-sufficiency not only creates national food security, but also strengthens the rural economy and improves the welfare of the common people.
In today’s modern era, food self-sufficiency cannot only rely on traditional methods. The role of technology is very important in increasing the efficiency and productivity of the agricultural sector. The use of precision agricultural technology, digitalization of agricultural data, and research and development of superior seeds are the keys to future success. The government and the private sector need to work together to present innovations that are relevant and easily accessible to farmers. In addition, the role of the younger generation is also very important in realizing food self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, said that to support the Asta Cita Food Self-Sufficiency for the 2025 Fiscal Year, the Ministry of PU has implemented various strategic programs. Among them, the implementation of a joint commitment with the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) in intensifying the addition of planting area of ​​2,087,602 hectares (ha). In addition, his party also encourages the realization of national food self-sufficiency through strengthening irrigation infrastructure and dam construction.
On the other hand, the community also plays an important role in supporting food self-sufficiency. Awareness of the importance of consuming local products, support for local farmers, and an environmentally friendly lifestyle will help strengthen the national food ecosystem. When people prefer local rice, vegetables and fruits from Indonesian farmers, as well as domestic seafood products, the wheels of the food economy will continue to turn domestically. This is a real form of nationalism in everyday life that also strengthens the nation’s independence.
No less important is the government’s support in formulating regulations that support local farmers and food producers. Fair price policies, protection of agricultural products from the onslaught of cheap imported products, and incentives for farmers and food business actors are strategic steps that need to be continuously strengthened. Food self-sufficiency is not only the responsibility of farmers, but is the collective responsibility of all elements of the nation, from the government, private sector, academics, to the general public.
With all the potential and spirit of mutual cooperation possessed by the Indonesian nation, food self-sufficiency is not an impossible dream. In fact, this is a realistic target that can be achieved with sincerity and joint commitment. Success in achieving food self-sufficiency is concrete evidence that Indonesia is capable of becoming an independent, strong, and sovereign nation. This is not only about meeting today’s needs, but also about preparing a brighter and more sustainable future for future generations. Food self-sufficiency is a reflection of the strength of the nation, and Indonesia has, is, and will continue to prove that it is capable of standing tall as a sovereign country in food matters.
)* The author is a public policy observer