Indonesia Adopts AI Technology to Accelerate Food Self-Sufficiency
By: Ricky Rinaldi
The government continues to take progressive steps to accelerate the realization of food self-sufficiency. One of the latest efforts is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the agricultural sector. This strategy is considered a concrete solution in answering various increasingly complex national food security challenges.
The Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, who is familiarly called Zulhas, during his working visit to Thailand, provided important input for the direction of national food policy. He stated that Indonesia can learn valuable lessons from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam in implementing technology. For Zulhas, the experiences of the two countries are proof that AI technology is not just a complement, but the main tool that can accelerate the achievement of self-sufficiency in a real and measurable way.
According to Zulhas, currently Indonesia can no longer rely on old methods in managing the food sector. If it wants to accelerate progress and stand on par with neighboring countries, then technological transformation is a must. AI can be utilized for various crucial purposes in agriculture, ranging from fertilizer distribution, soil condition analysis, weather prediction, to early detection of potential crop failure due to pests or extreme climate.
Furthermore, Zulhas provided input that one of the major problems in agriculture is the inaccuracy of the distribution of production facilities, especially fertilizer. So far, fertilizer distribution has faced challenges in adjusting land needs. AI technology will perfect this system. AI can be the answer because it is able to analyze the specific needs of each land precisely. As a result, efficiency increases, costs are reduced, and harvest results are more optimal.
Not only that, AI technology can also help farmers deal with increasingly uncertain climate change. By utilizing historical data and climate projections, AI can provide very useful information for farmers to determine planting and harvesting times more wisely. This is important to avoid losses due to extreme weather such as floods, droughts, or seasonal pest attacks.
Zulhas emphasized that agriculture needs to be made attractive and “cool” in the eyes of the younger generation. They must be encouraged to get involved in modern agriculture that not only deals with mud, but also with data, sensors, drones, and smart applications. The government has begun designing special programs for millennial farmers, including training, mentoring, and access to capital so that they can become key actors in future agriculture.
He also reminded that the food self-sufficiency program should not sacrifice the environment. Another important input conveyed by Zulhas was about concerns about the potential for deforestation due to the opening of new agricultural land. The government, according to him, has committ
ed not to cut down trees in an effort to increase food production. Agricultural development will focus on optimizing land that is already available and suitable for its intended use. This proves that self-sufficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand.
For example, the agricultural development plan in Merauke, Papua, will be carried out with a precautionary principle and based on in-depth environmental studies. The government wants to prove that food production can be increased while maintaining the sustainability of forests and natural habitats, according to the government’s commitment. In this context, AI technology can also help, because it is able to design efficient land use without the need for large-scale expansion.
President Prabowo Subianto himself has set an ambitious target for Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2026. This means that in the next two years, Indonesia must be able to independently meet its needs for rice, corn, and salt. Although ambitious, this target is very realistic considering the readiness of current policies and technological innovations.
The government is currently preparing a roadmap for the digitalization of national agriculture. Weather data, soil conditions, irrigation systems, and supply chains will be integrated into one system managed by AI. This will enable fast and accurate data-based decision-making, while minimizing budget waste. In an increasingly uncertain global situation, this step is a smart strategic choice.
Input from figures such as Zulhas strengthens the direction of government policy. He does not just talk, but encourages technology to truly become the backbone of Indonesia’s food sector. From fertilizer distribution to farmer regeneration, all are synergized in a large framework towards modern and sustainable self-sufficiency.
