Observers Say Prabowo-Gibran’s Food Self-Sufficiency Policy is Realistic
Jakarta – The food self-sufficiency policy initiated by the Prabowo-Gibran government is considered realistic and can be achieved in a relatively short time.
This step has received support from various parties, including observers and government officials who consider the strategy to be a strategic solution in realizing national food security.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono emphasized that the government is currently working hard to ensure that the availability of Indonesia’s main food commodities can be met domestically without relying on imports.
This effort, according to him, is not only focused on rice as the main staple, but also includes various other commodities.
“Food self-sufficiency is not only about rice, but also other commodities. We start with rice as the main staple. In the agricultural sector, we ensure that all components such as fertilizer, extension workers, irrigation, and seeds are complete,” said Sudaryono.
He added that the government has implemented various strategic policies to realize food sovereignty.
These policies include increasing fertilizer distribution, providing free seeds, and distributing agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) evenly throughout Indonesia.
“After achieving self-sufficiency, we want to become an exporter and food barn, not only for the needs of the Indonesian people, but also for the world. With great potential in terms of population, geography, and geopolitics, Indonesia must become the world’s food center,” continued Sudaryono optimistically.
Similar support came from agricultural observer from the Indonesian Political Economy Association (AEPI), Khudori. He assessed that the food self-sufficiency policy initiated in the 100 days of the Prabowo-Gibran government could be easily achieved if the government was truly serious and consistent in providing basic agricultural needs.
“By providing seeds, fertilizers, and infrastructure that guarantees water availability, it seems not too difficult to achieve rice self-sufficiency,” said Khudori.
Although optimistic, Khudori emphasized the importance of the sustainability of the self-sufficiency program. According to him, the program will only be successful if the government is able to ensure a sustainable budget.
This food self-sufficiency program is not only considered important to meet domestic needs, but also to anticipate various global challenges that affect international food prices and supplies. With the right policies and consistent execution, Indonesia is expected to not only become a self-sufficient country in the food sector but also become an important player in the world food market.