By: Ratna Kusuma Wardani)*
The government has emphasized its commitment to realizing national food self-sufficiency by 2026. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has firmly stated that food sovereignty is not just a target, but a strategic need for the nation in facing global challenges. On various occasions, President Prabowo has stated that Indonesia must become a country that is fully independent in producing its food, especially for strategic commodities such as corn.
This commitment is not just discourse. The government has systematically prepared concrete steps to realize food self-sufficiency, including by stopping corn imports and encouraging increased domestic production. In President Prabowo’s view, no nation is truly independent if it is unable to meet the food needs of its own people. Therefore, food self-sufficiency must be a national movement that involves all elements of society, from the central to regional governments, from state officials to farmers in remote areas of the country.
The President also emphasized that food sovereignty is not only the responsibility of the central government, but is the obligation of all regions. Every province, even every island, is expected to be independent in meeting its food needs. In this case, the active role of local governments and local communities is very crucial. This decentralized approach places regional independence as an important pillar in the national strategy for food self-sufficiency.
The President gave special appreciation to the Indonesian National Police (Polri) which has been actively contributing to the development of the agricultural sector. The role of the Polri in assisting farmers, maintaining stability in food production centers, and involvement in the development of agricultural infrastructure is considered very strategic. Cross-sector synergy like this is proof that the success of food self-sufficiency requires strong and sustainable collaboration.
Not only about production, President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of innovation in processing agricultural products. Diversification of corn-based products, such as corn chips and corn rice, is considered to have high economic and nutritional added value. This innovation not only expands the market for local products, but also encourages the growth of the food processing industry at the village and regional levels.
Moreover, the welfare of farmers is also a major concern. The President emphasized that increasing production should not be done at the expense of farmers. On the contrary, increased productivity must be directly proportional to the increase in farmers’ income. Thus, food self-sufficiency not only has an impact on national resilience, but also on improving the quality of life of farming communities.
Another strategic step in supporting the acceleration of food self-sufficiency is the issuance of Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2025 concerning the Utilization of Agricultural Extension. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman explained that this policy emphasizes the central role of agricultural extension workers in assisting farmers and ensuring the adoption of technology and best agricultural practices. By optimizing the role of extension workers, the food self-sufficiency program is expected to be implemented more quickly and measurably.
Andi also expressed optimism that through strengthening extension, not only will food self-sufficiency be achieved, but Indonesia even has the opportunity to become a rice exporting country in the future. This is a picture of a bright future that is the foundation of all the hard work of the national agricultural sector today.
In line with that, the Head of the Agricultural Extension and Human Resources Development Agency (BPPSDMP), Idha Widi Arsanti, emphasized the importance of synergy between the central and regional governments in realizing food self-sufficiency. He emphasized that agricultural extension workers must move in one rhythm and one command. According to him, aligning the vision and mission between levels of government and between agencies is the key to the success of this program.
Agricultural extension workers serve as a bridge between government policies and the main actors in the field, namely farmers. Through intensive and targeted extension, farmers will have easier access to knowledge, technology, and assistance from the government. In this context, extension workers are not just informants, but agents of change in the agricultural sector.
The government also realizes that the challenge of realizing food self-sufficiency is not an easy one. Climate change, land conversion, and fluctuations in the prices of fertilizers and raw materials are real challenges. However, with a strong commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and a spirit of national mutual cooperation, all of these challenges are believed to be overcome.
Through the strategic steps that are being implemented, Indonesia is now on the right track towards food self-sufficiency. Policy support, technological innovation, the active role of state officials, and strengthening the capacity of farmers are important foundations in this effort.
Food self-sufficiency is not only the responsibility of farmers or the government, but is a shared task as a nation. From consuming local products, supporting farmers, to involvement in food security programs at the community level, every individual can play a role.
Thus, the community is expected to be able to unite their steps and enthusiasm to realize an Indonesia that is sovereign in its food. Because only with sufficient, healthy, and self-produced food, Indonesia can truly call itself an independent nation.
)* The author is an agricultural observer.
