President Prabowo Subianto has always had a special connection with farmers, as stated by Dedek Prayudi, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO). This bond dates back to two significant moments in Prabowo’s life. Firstly, during his time as a military officer, where local communities and farmers provided him with crucial assistance. Secondly, when he led the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI).
The importance of the food security program, led by President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, was highlighted during the grand corn harvest in Jenggalu Village, Seluma Regency, Bengkulu Province. The program is considered essential, especially in the current global context that requires Indonesia to reduce its dependency on foreign food supplies to prevent any disruptions due to export halts from major food-producing countries like India, Brazil, and China.
The recent corn harvest, yielding about 10 tons from 1.5 hectares, showcased the positive impact of government support in the form of subsidized fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery. The aim is to motivate farmers to enhance production capacity continuously and improve yields. Uki emphasized the need for village authorities to expedite administrative processes to enable farmers to access subsidized fertilizers effectively.
Kelik Budianan from the National Food Agency (Pusdatin Bapanas) expressed support for President Prabowo’s agricultural initiatives and mentioned collaboration with the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to facilitate the absorption of farmers’ corn harvests. The integration of farmers’ and livestock breeders’ supply chains was also discussed to ensure favorable prices for both crops and livestock.
The collective efforts of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local officials, and community representatives, aim to not only boost agricultural productivity but also ensure the well-being and happiness of farmers. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to sustainable development and food security in Indonesia.
