Indonesia to Become Global Food Estate, President Prabowo Says

(Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Wednesday (04/24) lauded the improvement in Indonesia’s agriculture sector for being able to meet the demand of both domestic and international markets.

According to the President, Indonesia has seen a significant surge in the volume of national agricultural products over the past four months, making other countries express their interest in seeking assistance from Indonesia. He added that this is a major breakthrough given Indonesia was once a food importer.

“A number of countries have requested for food assistance from us. I have approved these requests to send them rice on humanitarian grounds,” he said at the launching of the Indonesia Planting Movement (Gerakan Indonesia Menanam/Gerina) in Banyuasin regency, South Sumatra province.

President Prabowo emphasized that the assistance will take into account the costs of production, distribution, and administration while still guided by the spirit of solidarity and responsibility.

“Do not go after huge profit, as long as it can cover the costs of production, distribution, and administration, it will be enough. We show them that Indonesia is not a country seeking assistance but giving assistance,” he said.

In support of the program, the Government also affirmed its commitment to push for the construction of storage facilities and cold storage units in every village, as well as to provide transport trucks to prevent agricultural produce from going to waste because they could not be marketed in time.

“Now, there is storage for each village. Each village will also have a cold storage. So, their harvest will be securely stored before being sent for sale. Each cooperative will get a truck,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also called on the people to work together and build the nation through their own efforts.

For the record, the Indonesia Planting Movement marked a milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward national food security and sovereignty. The Government is optimistic that every village in Indonesia will become a vital node in a strong and self-reliant national food supply chain. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (RAS/MUR)