Government’s Commitment to Realizing Food Self-Sufficiency Earns Praise
Jakarta – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to realizing national food self-sufficiency. The concrete steps taken by President Prabowo Subianto by signing four strategic regulations related to the irrigation system, commodity balance, fertilizer, and extension have received widespread appreciation. This policy is believed to be able to accelerate the achievement of Indonesia’s food independence.
Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, said that this new regulation is the main foundation in supporting the policy of accelerating food self-sufficiency.
“We are very happy with the quick steps taken by the government. With this regulation, there is no reason to delay achieving the self-sufficiency target,” said Zulhas
President Prabowo himself emphasized that the food self-sufficiency target will be achieved by the end of 2025. In a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, he expressed optimism that Indonesia would no longer depend on imports of rice, corn, and salt.
“This target is even faster than the previous one, which was 2026. This is proof that hard work and the right policies can bring about big changes,” he said.
As a follow-up to this policy, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman instructed Perum Bulog to absorb 3 million tons of farmers’ grain by April 2025.
This effort aims to maintain food stability and improve farmers’ welfare. “We hope that this absorption target can be fully achieved to strengthen national food security,” said Amran.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo, stated that Bulog’s current rice stock is between 1.9 million and 2 million tons. With the additional absorption of 3 million tons of grain, the national rice stock will increase to 5 million tons in the next few months.
“We have also approved the adjustment of rice processing standards to accelerate distribution,” he added.
Efforts to accelerate food self-sufficiency have also received support from the Ministry of Transmigration which is collaborating with the Indonesian Farmer-Owned Enterprises (BUMP). Deputy Minister of Transmigration, Viva Yoga Mauladi, stated that the transmigration sector has a strategic role in supporting national food production.
“Collaboration with various parties will further strengthen this program,” he said.
As a concrete step, the government has allocated a budget of IDR 16 trillion from the APBN to support this program.
With synergy between ministries, institutions, and full support from various stakeholders, high optimism accompanies efforts to realize national food self-sufficiency in 2025 in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision.
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