Jakarta – The government is accelerating the irrigation network revitalization program to maintain food security and support national economic growth. This step aligns with the 2025 Presidential Instruction, which emphasizes improving agricultural infrastructure as a foundation for achieving food self-sufficiency.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman announced that this year the government has allocated Rp 12 trillion for the development and rehabilitation of primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation systems in various regions. This program targets more than two million hectares of productive land.
“This revitalization is not just a physical project, but rather a guarantee for farmers that their water supply will be more secure, thereby increasing productivity and achieving food self-sufficiency,” he said.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reinforces the urgency of this measure. In May 2025, the rice harvest area was recorded at 0.98 million hectares, with a production of 4.98 million tons of unhusked rice (GKG), equivalent to 2.87 million tons of rice for consumption. The government has also tasked the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) with doubling domestic rice absorption to 3 million tons throughout 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s figure. This policy aims to maintain rice stocks while reducing dependence on imports.
President Prabowo Subianto also emphasized the importance of sustaining this program as a national priority. “Food is a matter of life and death for the nation. Irrigation revitalization is key to ensuring water availability, protecting farmers, and ensuring proper harvest absorption,” he emphasized.
In addition to strengthening food security, irrigation revitalization is also projected to have a significant economic impact. Improved agricultural water networks are expected to boost rural production, create new jobs, and keep food inflation under control amidst the dynamics of climate change.
With a combination of technical strategies, policy support, and farmer participation, the government is optimistic that the 2025 food self-sufficiency target can be achieved. Irrigation revitalization is believed to not only ensure national food security but also strengthen the foundation for Indonesia’s future economic growth.***
