By: Agus Marwan )
Food self-sufficiency has once again been placed as a top priority in the direction of national development. The government emphasizes that food sovereignty is not merely about the availability of staple goods, but also a strategic instrument to strengthen the economy while creating new jobs. Amid global uncertainty, the nation’s ability to meet its food needs through domestic production becomes both a shield of independence and a source of prosperity for the people.
President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the importance of having the courage to stand on our own feet in fulfilling food needs. According to him, dependence on imports weakens national competitiveness and undermines the dignity of the nation. With its abundant natural resources and workforce, Indonesia has immense potential to develop a resilient food sector. Optimizing agricultural land, harnessing modern technology, and empowering farmers are seen as key steps to achieving this independence.
The government’s commitment is reflected in a series of policies, ranging from fertilizer subsidies and the provision of superior seeds to the equitable development of agricultural infrastructure. Farmers’ access to production roads, irrigation, and storage facilities is being strengthened to ensure more efficient distribution. These policies mark a new era of agricultural transformation in Indonesia toward a more productive, sustainable, and globally competitive system.
The success of food self-sufficiency is projected to generate far-reaching impacts. Beyond securing domestic supply, the program is also expected to create millions of jobs across upstream and downstream sectors. From farmers and farm laborers to food processors and logistics operators, all stand to benefit. Agriculture is no longer to be viewed as a merely traditional activity but as an economic engine and a source of promising employment opportunities.
President Director of BRI, Hery Gunardi, stated that the success of food self-sufficiency cannot be achieved without collaboration across all sectors. BRI, with its strong mandate to empower MSMEs, reaffirmed its commitment to support the government’s program through financing, mentoring, and strengthening agribusiness ecosystems. Through the “Red and White Cattle Program,” BRI has demonstrated the concrete role of the banking sector in reinforcing national food security. This support carries a significant multiplier effect, as it opens new jobs in livestock farming while reducing dependence on imports.
Cross-sector collaboration is thus a vital foundation in building food security. The government, private sector, and society all have complementary responsibilities. Banks play a role in financing and financial literacy, while modern technology provides efficient production solutions. Farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs are given greater space to grow through access to markets and healthier supply chains. This synergy will accelerate the realization of sustainable food self-sufficiency.
Moreover, food sovereignty also has implications for social and political stability. Dependence on imports makes Indonesia vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and geopolitical turmoil. By strengthening domestic production, such vulnerabilities can be reduced, while ensuring that people have affordable access to food. Ultimately, food self-sufficiency becomes a symbol of national sovereignty that cannot be easily shaken by external pressures.
Agricultural transformation also creates opportunities for youth innovation. Modern agriculture increasingly relies on digital technology, ranging from sensors and land mapping to online-based marketing platforms. Young people no longer see this sector as traditional labor but as an industry with bright prospects. Job creation is not limited to manual labor but extends to technology- and innovation-based sectors, increasingly attractive to the younger generation.
In the long run, food self-sufficiency is seen as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045. This grand vision cannot be realized without a strong and sovereign economic foundation. Food self-sufficiency serves as one of the pillars to reduce foreign dependence, improve rural welfare, and strengthen national competitiveness in the global arena. The jobs created will serve as social capital to reduce poverty and narrow regional disparities.
From a sustainable development perspective, the program also brings ecological benefits. The adoption of eco-friendly technologies, organic farming practices, and diversification of local food sources creates a balance between productivity and environmental preservation. Sustainable food self-sufficiency not only ensures today’s needs but also safeguards resources for future generations.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require policy consistency, firm leadership, and the support of all layers of society. The government has outlined the direction and strategies, the private sector provides support, while communities serve as the main actors on the ground. This synergy is the key to making food self-sufficiency a reality rather than just an aspiration.
With a clear vision and strong commitment, food self-sufficiency is believed to be a powerful driver for job creation. The program not only strengthens food sovereignty but also paves the way toward broader social welfare. Indonesia is moving into a new era of independence, where food is no longer a weakness but a strength that reinforces the dignity of the nation.
*) The author is a development economics observer
