President Prabowo Launches Indonesia Planting Movement, Strategic Step Towards Food Self-Sufficiency
Jakarta – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, officially launched the Indonesian Planting Movement (Gerina), in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. This is one of the national priority programs in the field of food security, as a response to global challenges such as the food crisis, climate change, and economic turmoil that have an impact on the price of basic necessities.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of the role of farmers as the spearhead of national security. The President also expressed his gratitude to all parties who have worked hard from the central to regional governments, farmer groups, and all agricultural stakeholders.
“Food security is the main foundation of the nation’s strength. Farmers are the spearhead of national security, without them we cannot achieve food independence. Thank you to all parties who have worked hard to realize this great vision,” said President Prabowo.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the national rice stock has now reached 3 million tons, which is the highest figure in the last two decades. This indicates that Indonesia is able to meet domestic needs without relying on imports.
“The national rice stock has now reached 3 million tons, the highest in the last 20 years. This is real proof that Indonesia is able to meet domestic needs without relying on imports,” said Amran.
Ustaz Adi Hidayat as a key figure driving Gerina, said that this movement stems from great concern for the nation’s food sovereignty
“This movement is not only about planting physically, but also raising awareness that food independence is part of the nation’s sovereignty. Let’s build synergy between the government, society, and religious figures to ground this spirit,” said Ustaz Adi Hidayat.
The Indonesia Planting Movement (Gerina) introduced two superior innovations that are the program’s attractions, namely Si Opung (Floating Rice Processing Solution) and Si Cepot (Fast Harvest Solution via Pot). Si Opung is designed to utilize water areas (ponds with a floating planting method using rafts. While Si Cepot allows people to plant rice, chilies, or potatoes using only pots that have been designed efficiently. Both methods have been tested in 14 provinces and have succeeded in increasing household crop yields by up to 38 percent.
With this collective spirit, Gerina is expected to become a consistent and sustainable national movement. Through Gerina, the government encourages active community involvement in planting various strategic food commodities, from rice, corn, chilies, to vegetables. Food self-sufficiency is no longer just a discourse, but a real agenda driven by the people, guided by the state, and strengthened by local technology. Indonesia Menanam is not just a movement today, but the foundation of the nation’s future. [^]
