By: Dhita Karuniawati
Achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia is not an easy journey. With a population of over 270 million and a steadily increasing demand for food each year, the government and agricultural actors face significant challenges to ensure sufficient, safe, and sustainable food availability. However, technological advancement has now become a key that opens new opportunities for Indonesia to accelerate the realization of food independence. Various innovations, ranging from agricultural digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), to modern biotechnology, have transformed the national agricultural sector into a more efficient, productive, and adaptive industry.
One of the most tangible steps toward food self-sufficiency is transforming agriculture into the digital era. The government, through various institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Agency, promotes digitalization in the food sector through the development of smart farming. This system allows farmers to utilize sensor technology, drones, and data-driven applications to manage planting patterns, monitor weather conditions, and optimize the use of fertilizers and water.
Technological progress brings AI and big data analytics that can enhance the efficiency of the national food system. By analyzing weather data, harvest patterns, and market needs, the government can formulate more targeted food policies. AI is used to predict potential crop failures, determine superior varieties suitable for soil conditions, and detect pest attacks early.
Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) play a critical role in collecting real-time data on farmland. For example, soil sensors provide information on moisture and pH levels, allowing farmers to adjust irrigation automatically to prevent water waste. Agricultural drones are also used to monitor crop health, detect pests, and assist in precise fertilization and pesticide spraying.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) supports the transformation of agriculture into a technology-driven sector. The Digital Farming program aims to improve farmers’ efficiency and welfare through IoT.
Communication and Digital Minister (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid stated that technology must have a tangible impact on society. IoT and artificial intelligence should be utilized to enhance productivity.
One tool used in the Digital Farming program is the IoT Smart Precision Agriculture System, a local innovation developed by Indonesian talent. It has proven capable of increasing agricultural productivity, reducing costs, and maintaining environmental sustainability.
This program aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s direction at the 2025 APEC Summit in South Korea. The President emphasized the importance of utilizing modern technology to achieve food self-sufficiency.
According to Meutya, President Prabowo stated that achieving food self-sufficiency requires the use of modern agricultural technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence.
President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that AI and high technology are key for Indonesia to accelerate poverty alleviation while achieving food self-sufficiency. He emphasized that the government is committed to swiftly and measurably eliminating poverty and hunger, describing these as the most urgent tasks in national development.
Furthermore, President Prabowo noted that Indonesia is beginning to see tangible results from AI implementation in agriculture. Modern technology is considered capable of increasing food productivity to achieve self-sufficiency in rice and corn.
He explained that the government’s initial target was to achieve self-sufficiency within four years. However, with the use of high technology, precision agriculture, and AI, the country has already achieved production levels at the highest in Indonesia’s history since independence.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that Indonesia could become an economic superpower by strengthening the agricultural sector. Indonesia has a large market potential, and therefore action is necessary. Standing still would mean leaving the people to suffer.
Amran called on agricultural extension workers across Indonesia to be at the forefront of realizing national food self-sufficiency. He emphasized their role in ensuring the timely and targeted distribution of fertilizers, agricultural machinery (Alsintan), and other production facilities. Amran also reaffirmed his commitment to eradicate fertilizer mafia practices and ensure agricultural policies are implemented fairly and transparently.
Government, private sector, universities, and farmer communities need to collaborate in providing training, guidance, and affordable financing facilities. Programs such as smart villages, digital farmer training, and agritech startup incubators should be expanded so that technology reaches even the most remote villages.
With the combination of digital innovation, biotechnology, and inclusive policies, Indonesia is on the right path toward sustainable food self-sufficiency. Technology has proven to be a key catalyst in increasing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. However, the key to success lies in the synergy between humans and technology—how farmers, the government, and society utilize advancements to maintain national food sovereignty.
Through innovative and adaptive steps aligned with changing times, Indonesia’s aspiration to stand on its own in food matters is no longer just a dream. With technology as the foundation, food self-sufficiency can be achieved not only to meet today’s needs but also to ensure sustainable food security for future generations.
( The author is a Contributor at the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute)*
