By: Naura Astika)*
Food sovereignty is not merely about fulfilling daily consumption needs—it also reflects a nation’s ability to determine its own development path. Amid global uncertainties marked by climate crises, disruptions in global supply chains, geopolitical conflicts, and international food inflation, Indonesia is choosing to strengthen its domestic production base. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing national production as the primary path toward true food sovereignty.
Indonesia holds tremendous potential to stand on its own in the food sector. With vast agricultural land, abundant natural resources, and a favorable tropical climate, the country has comparative advantages that many other nations lack. Now, this potential is being realized through strategic government actions aimed at sustainable resource utilization.
In response to current challenges, the government has launched several breakthrough programs. One key initiative is the Food Estate program, which focuses on developing large-scale, integrated agricultural zones from upstream to downstream. Implemented in provinces such as Central Kalimantan and North Sumatra, the program targets increased production of rice, corn, and horticultural crops. President Prabowo Subianto has personally monitored the implementation of this project, describing it as one of the main pillars of national food security and sovereignty.
President Prabowo has emphasized that a country as large as Indonesia should not rely on massive imports of rice, soybeans, corn, and sugar. “We have the land, we have the farmers—we must be able to produce our own food,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture is also undergoing a series of transformations. Digital agriculture is being introduced through the concept of precision farming. The use of drones, soil sensors, weather monitoring apps, and crop growth tracking tools are becoming part of Indonesia’s agricultural modernization. These technologies not only improve yields but also reduce losses caused by extreme weather and pests.
Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, stated that the transformation toward modern, tech-based agriculture is inevitable. On multiple occasions, he has stressed the importance of involving the younger generation in agriculture. “Farming doesn’t have to mean back-breaking labor. With technology, we can make agriculture smart, promising, and attractive to youth. We need digitally literate millennial farmers,” he explained.
The government also continues to invest in essential agricultural infrastructure. The development and rehabilitation of irrigation systems are top priorities, given that water is critical for food production. Infrastructure such as farm roads, storage facilities, and distribution centers are also being built to streamline supply chains and ease market access for farmers.
Technology plays a crucial role in driving production growth. The government is adopting digital precision agriculture, introducing tools like land-mapping drones, sensor-based smart irrigation systems, and crop monitoring applications to farmers. With access to real-time data, farmers can make more accurate, efficient, and productive decisions. Training and mentoring programs are being expanded to ensure all farmers can adapt to this technological shift.
Beyond production, the government is also focusing on supporting infrastructure like irrigation systems, farm access roads, and post-harvest storage facilities. Long-term, good infrastructure will reduce production costs, minimize crop losses, and enhance the competitiveness of local food products both domestically and globally.
Farmer welfare remains a major government concern. Farmers are not only the backbone of food security but also a vital part of the people’s economy. Through financing options such as agricultural microcredit (KUR), farmers are encouraged to scale up and innovate. Support is also given in the form of quality seeds, fertilizer subsidies, and expanded market access. The government aims to ensure farmers not only produce but also earn fair value for their hard work.
National food transformation cannot focus solely on production; it must also influence consumption and food culture. The government has been actively promoting local food diversification, encouraging regions to develop their unique food potentials. In Papua, for example, sago is being reintroduced as a staple food. In East Nusa Tenggara, sorghum is now part of a pilot project as an alternative commodity.
These steps form part of a long-term process that requires synergy among the government, private sector, universities, and the public. Achieving food sovereignty is not the job of a single agency—it is a collective national effort. With consistent policy direction, strong regulatory support, and nationwide commitment, Indonesia’s dream of becoming a food-sovereign nation is not only attainable but also sustainable.
*) Strategic Policy Analyst
