Receive FAO Award, Proof of Jokowi’s Leadership Success in Food Self-Sufficiency and Success of Agricultural Programs
Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has successfully received a prestigious award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in the form of the Agricola Medal. This award was given in recognition of Indonesia’s success in achieving food self-sufficiency during Jokowi’s leadership, which took place four times in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan), Sudaryono, stated that President Jokowi had succeeded in making the agricultural sector the main pillar of the Indonesian economy, even amidst global challenges. “In my opinion, Pak Jokowi is extraordinary because he is able to implement agricultural programs well. “He was the one who made Indonesia’s economy remain strong when other countries were stagnant,” said the Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
The success of food self-sufficiency in the Jokowi era is considered an important achievement, considering that Indonesia did not need to import medium rice during these four achievements. “This achievement repeats the success achieved by President Soeharto in 1984 when Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficiency,” added Sudaryono.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture also highlighted the increase in the number of Agricultural Business Households (RTUP) in Indonesia over the last ten years. In 2023, the number of RTUPs will reach 28.4 million households, an increase of 8.74 percent compared to 2013. “During the 10 years that the President has led, Indonesia has faced various multidimensional crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the labor sector. “However, agriculture remains the savior of our economy,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman said that the 10 years of Jokowi’s government had shown extraordinary performance, especially in maintaining the stability of food security. “The appreciation from FAO is proof of the hard work of farmers, including governors and regents throughout Indonesia.” Armran said.
The Agricola Medal award from FAO is considered as recognition of the struggle and sacrifices made by the government in developing the agricultural sector. Sudaryono said this award was not an ordinary thing. “This is an extraordinary award because FAO is the world food institution, and what the president has done for 10 years is truly extraordinary,” he said.
With this achievement, Jokowi is considered to have left a strong legacy in the agricultural sector and food security which will be continued by the Prabowo – Gibran government.
