Jakarta — The government continues to strengthen its commitment to realizing food and energy self-sufficiency as the main pillar of national resilience. This strategy is considered a necessity considering that Indonesia has abundant natural resources, both in the agricultural and energy sectors, including renewable energy.
An economist from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), Muhammad Rizal Taufiqur, emphasized that the urgency of realizing food and energy self-sufficiency is very important. According to him, the success of meeting domestic food and energy needs and the ability to export surplus production will significantly boost national economic growth.
“Food and energy self-sufficiency reflects the independence of a country. If domestic needs are met and we are able to export, then it will directly drive the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.
Rizal highlighted that President Prabowo Subianto has great concern for the fate of farmers and agricultural development. This is reflected in the government’s commitment to expanding food access for the community and strengthening the foundation of inclusive and sustainable national agriculture.
In terms of potential, Indonesia still has almost 7 million hectares of rice fields and sub-optimal land such as swamps that have not been optimally developed. Indonesia’s food biodiversity is also considered very high, both in terms of rice and non-rice such as sago and sorghum. In addition, strategic commodities such as corn, soybeans, and sugar have great production potential to be developed optimally.
Furthermore, Rizal emphasized the importance of farmer regeneration through a technological and innovation approach. The demographic bonus must be utilized to encourage the emergence of young farmers who are able to adapt to changing times and master modern agricultural technology.
In the energy sector, Indonesia also has extraordinary wealth, especially in renewable energy. This country is one of the largest biodiesel producers in the world. The potential for bioethanol from sugar cane and sorghum, ocean energy from ocean currents and heat (ocean thermal), and natural gas and LNG reserves are great strengths that, if optimized, can replace dependence on imported fuel.
Rizal said that the government actually has a fairly clear roadmap and strategy in directing the food and energy self-sufficiency program. However, the success of this program is highly dependent on the consistency of implementation in the field, strict supervision, and political courage to take action against parties that hinder the progress of the program.
“The government needs to act firmly against the food mafia and rogue bureaucrats who damage the system. With the firmness and synergy of all parties, I am sure that food and energy independence can be achieved, and Indonesia can stand on its own two feet,” he concluded.
This effort also requires active support from the community and all stakeholders across sectors. With strong national synergy, Indonesia’s great potential can be transformed into a real force that drives prosperity and strengthens national resilience in the future. )*
