Prabowo’s Food Self-Sufficiency Program Receives Praise from Agricultural Experts
By: Aulia Rahman
The government is working hard to achieve the food self-sufficiency target supported by various parties. The food self-sufficiency program is one of the Asta Cita that President Prabowo must realize.
One of the Asta Cita programs is to strengthen the defense system and food self-sufficiency in Indonesia. In fact, President Prabowo Subianto prioritizes the food security program so that food self-sufficiency can be realized as soon as possible. This policy is to realize Indonesia Emas 2045.
President Prabowo emphasized that the food self-sufficiency target must be achieved immediately. Indonesia should no longer depend on food sources from outside. Agribusiness Expert from the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) Prof. Bayu Krisnamurthi said that there are three national policies throughout Indonesia’s independence that can be an inspiration for agricultural development towards Indonesia Emas 2045.
First, the rice self-sufficiency policy during the New Order era. This policy is considered successful in making Indonesia achieve rice self-sufficiency in 1985/1986.
Second, the development of palm oil plantations and industries. This has also made Indonesia the largest producer and exporter of palm oil products in the world.
Third, the development of Calina papaya (better known as California papaya). Through the work of the IPB Tropical Fruit Study Center, Calina papaya has been able to hold a market share of up to 75 percent while encouraging a 30 percent increase in papaya consumption.
Another thing that can also be a lesson is the importance of consistency and persistence over a relatively long period of time.
The direction of economic development towards Indonesia Emas 2045 includes achieving economic growth of 8 percent per year and the contribution of the manufacturing industry to the economy reaching 28 percent.
In addition, per capita income is targeted at around USD 20 thousand dollars, as a characteristic of a country that has escaped the middle-income trap.
Food independence is something that cannot be negotiated, therefore this program must be realized, so that the country does not have difficulty meeting its people’s food needs.
The food self-sufficiency program is a government program that should involve all stakeholder lines to play a role according to their respective capacities, as South Sulawesi has done.
South Sulawesi has declared its readiness to support national food self-sufficiency. This step certainly must receive high appreciation and it is hoped that other regions will also move quickly to support the food self-sufficiency program.
In his presentation some time ago, the Acting Governor of South Sulawesi (Sulsel), Prof. Fadjry Djufry, emphasized his commitment to making South Sulawesi the first province in Indonesia to support national food self-sufficiency. This has received wide appreciation from students and academics.
South Sulawesi Province has enormous potential in the agricultural sector, while the plantation sector is also a very promising area so that the target to support national food self-sufficiency is considered realistic.
South Sulawesi has abundant natural resources, but cooperation between parties is needed to make South Sulawesi a province that can support the national food self-sufficiency program.
The step to realize national food self-sufficiency is also supported by the Chairperson of the Student President of the Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar, Hasby Assidiq, who gave his support to the target. The target to realize national food self-sufficiency is not ambitious, it is very realistic. It depends on the spirit of the government and the policy intervention to support it. The commitment of the regional head is a big capital for South Sulawesi.
This is also an energy for President Prabowo Subianto and his team to be able to immediately realize easy, cheap, abundant and affordable food for its people.
One important step is the improvement and development of agricultural infrastructure, especially the irrigation system. The development of infrastructure to realize increased agricultural productivity is very important, therefore it is also necessary to change the mindset of society from a consumptive nature to a productive one. In addition, it is also necessary to improve human resources and support modern integrated equipment
Similar appreciation came from Academics of Hasanuddin University (Unhas), Prof. Armin Arsyad stated that the target carried by Prof. Fadjry could be a strategic policy legacy for the elected Governor of South Sulawesi in the future. Regional heads must provide the best to build food independence so that national food self-sufficiency can be quickly achieved.
