The Government is Committed to Preparing Infrastructure to Support the Food Self-Sufficiency Program
Pontianak – The government has affirmed its commitment to preparing supporting infrastructure for the national food self-sufficiency program, as initiated by President Prabowo Subianto through Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2025. This step ensures that farmers’ aspirations are immediately responded to to strengthen food self-sufficiency.
Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Herzaky Mahendra Putra, said that his office is ready to realize national food self-sufficiency with concrete support.
“We are providing concrete support to ensure the success of this food self-sufficiency program. One way is by directly engaging with farmers in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan,” said Herzaky.
On the occasion, Herzaky stated that he had observed firsthand the agricultural needs and potential in Sambas and gathered the aspirations of the farming community. The input would later be presented to Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Dody Hanggodo.
“President Prabowo places great emphasis on food security and self-sufficiency, which is why we’re going into the field to find out what farming communities need most,” Herzaky said.
According to Herzaky, improving irrigation infrastructure is a top priority because it plays a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity and extending the planting season.
“Adequate irrigation channels will increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes. But I also urge you, once they’re built, let’s maintain them together,” Herzaky emphasized.
Meanwhile, in Mekar Jaya Village, there are 48 hectares of agricultural land and six active farmer groups. The head of the Tunas Muda Farmers Group, Junaidi, revealed that farmers in the area still rely on rainwater because the irrigation channels are not functioning optimally, especially during the dry season.
“Previously, we could only harvest once, now we can harvest twice. But with good irrigation and a water pump, we’re confident we can do more than that,” said Junaidi.
Meanwhile, the Head of BWSK I, M. Tahid, emphasized that his party had mapped the irrigation infrastructure needs in the West Kalimantan region, including Sambas, to fully support the national food self-sufficiency program.
“Many irrigation channels still need to be built or rehabilitated to ensure targeted development. The hope is that this will increase farmer productivity and improve their prosperity,” said M. Tahid.
Apart from Mekar Jaya and Teluk Pandan Villages, Herzaky also visited Penakalan Village in Sejangkung District, Tri Kembang Village in Galing District, and Lumbang Village in Sambas District.
The government hopes that synergy between agencies, from the central government to the regional governments, will ensure that agricultural infrastructure development is effective and on target. With this step, the goal of food self-sufficiency will no longer be mere talk but a reality, improving farmer welfare and strengthening national food security.
