The Government Continues to Support the Role of Local Entrepreneurs in Achieving Food Self-Sufficiency Through Regional Agricultural Machinery
By: Tari Lamasia Cipta (*
In an effort to achieve national food self-sufficiency, the government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector by supporting the use of domestically produced agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan). Agricultural modernization is no longer merely an option, but rather an urgent necessity for Indonesia to achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency. Supporting local entrepreneurs in the agricultural machinery production sector is a strategic step, not only to accelerate food production but also to strengthen the national economy from the grassroots level.
Cindy Monica Salsabila Setiawan, a member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), assessed that the program of receiving agricultural machinery assistance to 18 farmer groups in various regions is a concrete example of synergy between the DPR RI and local governments in strengthening local food security and encouraging the modernization of the agricultural sector. According to her, the availability of modern agricultural machinery can bridge the productivity gap between traditional farmers and the ever-increasing demand for food.
Cindy emphasized that agricultural machinery is not merely assistance, but a long-term investment for the future of Indonesian agriculture. With the availability of agricultural machinery such as two-wheeled tractors, With the use of rice planting machines and combine harvesters, land preparation, planting, and harvesting can be carried out more efficiently and productively. It is hoped that these tools will be optimally utilized by farmers to increase agricultural yields and strengthen national food security.
This aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture’s (Kementan) vision of continuously optimizing the use of modern technology in every aspect of food production. The Head of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Communication and Information Services Bureau, Moch Arief Cahyono, explained that the use of modern agricultural machinery makes agricultural production processes more effective, particularly in terms of labor and time efficiency.
Arif gave the example of how, while previously it took farmers days to cultivate land or harvest rice, requiring a large workforce, these tasks can now be completed in a matter of hours using agricultural machinery such as tractors or combine harvesters. This transformation not only increases efficiency but also helps farmers address the challenges of labor shortages in the agricultural sector, which are common in various regions.
Furthermore, Arief stated that the national agricultural machinery industry is showing encouraging progress. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is encouraging an increase in the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) to a minimum of 40 percent for all national agricultural machinery manufacturers. This policy is expected to stimulate local component industries, strengthening the domestic supply chain, and creating new jobs in the manufacturing sector. In this way, supporting farmers also supports the growth of a highly competitive national industry.
One concrete example of the success of the national agricultural machinery industry can be seen in the performance of PT Agrindo Maju Lestari (AML), a domestic agricultural equipment manufacturer that is now also penetrating the export market. AML’s Director, Henry Haryanto, explained that his company produces various types of agricultural equipment, ranging from hand sprayers, knapsack power sprayers, power sprayers, mist blowers, brush cutters, and jet cleaners.
According to Henry, these products not only meet the needs of local farmers but are also exported to several countries through distributor PT Agrotek Niaga Mandiri. AML sits on an 18,000-square-meter site and boasts complete facilities including injection, extruder, blow-blowing, die-casting, CNC machines, and an SNI-compliant testing laboratory. With these facilities, the company is committed to delivering high-quality products through operational excellence and professional human resources.
Henry emphasized that the existence of an in-house testing laboratory ensures that all AML products meet the standards. This demonstrates that local entrepreneurs are capable of competing with foreign producers in terms of quality, while simultaneously strengthening the independence of the domestic agricultural machinery sector. Government support, both through TKDN policies and opening market access, is a crucial factor in maintaining the sustainability of this industry.
These synergistic steps between the government, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), and local businesses demonstrate an increasingly clear direction for agricultural development. Modernization through agricultural machinery is not only about production efficiency, but also about the nation’s independence in meeting its own food needs. When farmers are supported by modern technology and domestically produced production equipment, added economic value can circulate domestically, strengthening local industries and reducing dependence on imported agricultural equipment.
Going forward, cross-sector collaboration needs to be continuously strengthened. Local governments can becomeThis will be a driving force in ensuring the distribution of agricultural machinery is on target, while local entrepreneurs can increase research and innovation so that the equipment produced meets the needs of farmers in the field. Furthermore, the role of vocational education institutions and agricultural universities is also crucial in producing experts who are ready to operate and maintain modern agricultural machinery sustainably.
Food self-sufficiency will not be achieved through enthusiasm alone, but through a solid system, ranging from supportive policies, technological support, and the active role of national businesses. This momentum must be utilized effectively so that Indonesia truly becomes a modern, independent, and globally competitive agricultural nation.
It is time for the wider community, especially stakeholders in the agricultural sector, to continue supporting local entrepreneurs committed to developing national agricultural technology. By purchasing, using, and promoting domestic agricultural machinery products, we not only help farmers work more efficiently but also directly contribute to realizing the nation’s great ideal: food self-sufficiency through the strength of the regional agricultural machinery industry.
(* The author is a Regional Agriculture Observer)
