Land Optimization, Government’s Strategic Effort to Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency

By Yulia Rahma

Food sovereignty is the main pillar in maintaining national stability. In facing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical crises, and uncertainty in world food supplies, Indonesia needs a strong and sustainable long-term strategy. One of the government’s concrete steps is through the optimization of agricultural land that is synergized with the use of modern technology and collaboration between ministries. This step is not only intended to meet domestic food needs, but also as a foundation towards self-sufficiency and even the potential to become the world’s food barn.

The Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment to realizing food self-sufficiency through the establishment of the Food Brigade (BP). This initiative is designed as the main driving force in optimizing agricultural land management in a modern, professional, and business-based manner. The Food Brigade is expected to be the main actor in managing agricultural land of around 200 hectares per unit, with a structured and efficient approach. Not only that, BP is also focused on cultivating swampy land that has not been optimally utilized, as well as creating new rice fields for the community.

This step is very strategic in expanding the scope of national agricultural production. Management of previously unproductive land is now directed to become a new source of income for farmers and rural communities. With the support of agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan), superior seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and integrated training, BP is able to create a modern agribusiness ecosystem that not only increases production but also empowers the younger generation to be interested in the agricultural sector which has so far been considered less attractive.

This policy synergy is further strengthened by the involvement of the Ministry of Public Works. Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, stated that the direction of his ministry’s policies has been aligned with national priorities in the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). In an effort to support the Asta Cita Food Self-Sufficiency in the 2025 budget year, the Ministry of Public Works has committed to intensifying the addition of planting area by more than two million hectares. This is realized through strengthening central and regional irrigation infrastructure, including through the allocation of funds in the DIPA for the reconstruction and implementation of Presidential Instruction Number 2 of 2025.

The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture have also agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation that outlines the synchronization of the food self-sufficiency program. This collaboration includes the provision of agricultural production facilities and agricultural machinery in rehabilitated irrigation areas and the implementation of pumping programs in priority areas. This program is a real example of how cross-sectoral synergy can create a major impact on increasing national agricultural production and efficiency.

One important element in this strategy is the successful revitalization of idle land. Many potential lands have been neglected due to limited access to technology and capital. Through the Food Brigade program and the full support of the Ministry of Public Works, these lands now have the opportunity to be reactivated. The spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders is the key to the success of this effort. The government is also not sitting idly by in ensuring access to financing for farmers and agricultural business actors so that the optimization process runs sustainably.

Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized the importance of simultaneous planting and irrigation improvements as vital components in increasing production. If these two things are managed well, then Indonesia has a great opportunity to no longer depend on food imports, especially rice. In fact, with adequate weather support and increased productivity, the government is optimistic that a bumper harvest can be achieved in the near future.

This optimism is not without basis. Land optimization and irrigation strengthening programs have shown positive initial results in several regions. Farmers are beginning to feel the benefits of using agricultural machinery that speeds up the planting and harvesting process, as well as reducing production costs. Access to superior seeds and more appropriate fertilizers also encourages more abundant harvests. Gradually, Indonesian agriculture is undergoing a transformation towards a more modern and efficient system.