By: Qonita Auliandri )*
Food security is not only about the availability of rice in the barn or the success of the harvest in the planting season. More than that, food security is the foundation of a nation’s sovereignty. In the context of Indonesia, the country with the fourth largest population in the world and a wide and diverse geographical landscape, the challenge of food security is very complex but also full of opportunities. This is where the importance of initiatives such as the Indonesian Planting Movement (Gerina) which is now being promoted massively is important.
Gerina is not just an ordinary agricultural program. It is a moral and collective movement that aims to raise awareness and real action from the community in maintaining the availability and sustainability of national food. In a global situation that is very uncertain, ranging from climate change, world geopolitics, to fluctuations in international food commodity prices, Indonesia is required to have strong resilience in the food sector.
Gerina initiator Ustaz Adi Hidayat, emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration in building collective awareness regarding the importance of food security. In his view, the success of programs such as Gerina does not solely depend on government policies. According to him, when the government already has a clear design and vision, the people need to support and synergize so that there is acceleration in realizing food stability.
The statement illustrates the basic philosophy of food security, which cannot be supported by one entity alone. The government does play an important role in formulating policies, providing budget support, and providing agricultural facilities and infrastructure. However, the role of the community, from farmers to urban consumers, is very crucial in ensuring that these policies are implemented effectively in the field.
Gerina is here to bridge the synergy between the state and the people. Through a community-based approach and public participation, this program invites all elements of society to participate in planting, both on large land and in yards. This is not only about physical contribution, but also about a paradigm shift, namely from being a food user to a food producer in the smallest scope.
The government’s steps in strengthening this program are also worthy of appreciation. Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman stated that Indonesia is now on the right track towards food self-sufficiency. He emphasized that the government’s commitment is very high in strengthening national food security amidst the ever-changing global dynamics. With the Gerina program, the main priority at this time, namely strengthening national rice reserves before opening up opportunities for rice exports, is increasingly possible to be realized.
The statement by the Minister of Agriculture emphasized that Indonesia’s food strategy is not only focused on meeting domestic needs, but also has a long-term vision to become a global player. When national reserves are stable, Indonesia has the potential to become an exporter to be reckoned with in the international market. This is certainly not an impossible goal, considering our enormous natural resource potential and production capacity.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono added that Indonesia is currently experiencing a rice surplus, an important indicator that our food security is getting stronger. With this achievement, according to Sudaryono, Indonesia is ready to take on the role of the world’s food barn. This shows the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring food availability for the community.
The rice surplus is not just a statistical figure. It is the result of the hard work of farmers, technological support, fertilizer availability, irrigation management, and the active role of the community in supporting food programs from upstream to downstream. This success is an important momentum to continue to mobilize people’s participation in programs such as Gerina.
However, the sustainability of food security should not only depend on current conditions. Food security is a long-term job that requires innovation, consistency, and collaboration. Gerina has become a strategic forum to consolidate the social energy of the community in the spirit of mutual cooperation that has long been a characteristic of the Indonesian nation.
In various regions, the implementation of Gerina has begun to show positive impacts. Schools have begun to introduce the concept of urban farming, Islamic boarding schools have developed integrated agriculture, and community groups have initiated local food gardens. All of this is proof that when awareness grows from below, food security is no longer just an elite discourse, but becomes a real people’s movement.
Food security is not the task of a handful of people, but it is a shared responsibility. The government has provided a clear platform and direction, now is the time for the people to show their support through real action. Gerina does not only belong to farmers, but to all Indonesian people.
Let’s startai from small things planting in the yard, reducing food waste, supporting local products, to spreading the spirit of food security in the surrounding environment. That way, we are not only passive consumers, but become agents of change. Gerina is a national movement. And a great nation is a nation that can feed its own people. )* The author is a food observer
