President Prabowo: Food Security is Prerequisite for Countries to Survive

President Prabowo visits Tuban regency, East Java province, on Saturday (05/16).

Food security is the primary foundation for a country’s security and continuity, according to President Prabowo Subianto.

The President made the statement during a working visit to Tuban regency, East Java province, on Saturday (05/16).

“I learned history and how to manage a country, and I learned that a country cannot survive without steady, safe, and sustainable food production,” he said while expressing appreciation to those who have worked to maintain national food security.

“That is history. It makes me realize how important time is to farmers and fishers. Farmers and fishers are food producers for the entire nation,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also shared his experience as a commander of combat troops, stressing that food is not only a matter of economics but also national defense.

“We had to count our rice and how long it would suffice us. If it were enough for five days, our operations would last 5 days. If it were enough for 14 days, our operations would last 14 days. Imagine, Ladies and Gentlemen, if we did not have rice. If there were no rice, soldiers would have difficulty running their operations,” he said.

The President recalled how farmers in villages supported the country during the independence war, underscoring that public support through the simplest provision of food became the primary source of strength for soldiers and the state apparatus at the time.

“When I trained in villages, the villagers would come out and give us food and drink, even though they lived in hardship. If they had bananas, they would give them to us. If they had sweet potatoes, they would give them to us. If they had tiwul, they would give it to us,” he said.

The President also underscored that national food self-sufficiency and security cannot be achieved without synergy among all elements of the country, while expressing appreciation to all parties who have taken part in strengthening the food sector.

“Everyone who wants to see our country and nation thrive must, I repeat, must focus and pay attention to this food issue. Thanks to the agricultural team. I have an excellent and very strong food team,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/LW)