Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Great Harvest and the Announcement of Food Self-Sufficiency, at Kertamukti Village, Karawang Regency, West Java Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,
May peace and prosperity be upon us all,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om Swastiastu,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greetings of virtue,
Rahayu, rahayu.

Distinguished Guests,

Honorable Minister of Agriculture, as the host of this event, Mr. Andi Amran Sulaiman, along with officials of Ministry of Agriculture,
Honorable Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Mr. Zulkifli Hasan; fellow Ministers, Heads of Agencies, the Attorney General, Chief of the Indonesian National Police,  Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces,
Honorable Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN),
Honorable President Director of state-owned logistics agency Perum Bulog, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani,
Honorable Vice Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Sudaryono, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI), Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Provincial Government (APPSI), and Chairman of TNI Merdeka,
Honorable Chair of Commission IV of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Ms. Siti Hediati Soeharto,

Honorable regional leaders who are present in person and those joining us online.

Present here today are Governor of West Java, Mr. Dedi Mulyadi; Governor of East Java, Ms. Khofifah Indar Parawansa; Governor of South Sumatra, Mr. Herman Deru, Governor of South Sulawesi, Mr. Andi Sudirman Sulaiman; Governor of North Sumatra, Mr. Bobby Afif Nasution; the Regent of Karawang, Mr. Aep Syaepuloh; and all Governors, Regents, and Mayors attending online, whom I respect and take pride in;

Honorable Presidents and Directors of state-owned enterprises in attendance today, as well as representatives of various associations: the Indonesian Poultry Farmers Association and Information Center (PINSAR), the Indonesian Feed Millers Association (GPMT), the Indonesian Seed Association, the Strategic Collaboration of Indonesian Rice Millers, the Rice Milling Association, the Indonesian Seed and Nursery Community, the Indonesian Corn Traders and Producers Association, the Indonesian Electronic Rice Seed Catalog Providers, the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association, the Indonesian Sugarcane Farmers Association, the Indonesian Agronomy Association, and the Chairman of the Indonesian Sugarcane Farmers Association (APTRI);

Honorable and esteemed farmer groups, agricultural extension officers, and above all, farmers from across Indonesia whom I respect, cherish, and I am deeply proud of;

All distinguished attendees, invited guests, members of the press and media, both present here in person and joining us online.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since many distinguished figures have already been mentioned individually, I may not need to repeat all their names again, without in any way lessening my respect for them. However, if requested, I would be glad to mention them once more. There are indeed many, but that is perfectly fine. Should we go through them all again? Very well.

Without lessening my respect, I would like to acknowledge that here we have many CEOs of important companies: state-owned plantation holding PTPN 3, PTPN 4, PTPN 1, Riset Perkebunan Nusantara, Sinergi Gula Nusantara, Agrinas Palma, and Agrinas Pangan Nusantara. Is the CEO of Agrinas Palma present? Agrinas Palma? Noted. This is being recorded as attendance. CEO of PT Berdikari, Mr. Maryadi; CEO of Sang Hyang Seri; CEO of PT Pusri, Mr. Maryono; CEO of Pupuk Kujang. Thank you.

Regents are just as important: Regent of Banyuasin, Regent of Sukabumi, Regent of Tasikmalaya, Mr. Cecep Nurul Yakin; Regent of East Ogan Komering Ulu , Mr. Lanosin; Regent of Cianjur, Mr. Mohammad Wahyu Ferdian, thank you; Regent of Bojonegoro, as mentioned earlier; Regent of Indramayu, Mr. Lucky Hakim; Regent of Wajo, Mr. Andi Rosman, are you present? Thank you. The Regent of Merauke, Mr. Yoseph Gebze, thank you for coming all the way from Merauke. Regent of Bandung, Mr. Dadang Supriatna, thank you; Regent of Subang, Mr. Reynaldy Putra; Regent of Bekasi, Mr. Asep Surya Atmaja, thank you. Mayor of Tasikmalaya, Mr. Viman Alfarizi Ramadhan, thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As people of faith, let us never cease to offer our praise and gratitude to the Almighty God. For Muslims, Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala, the Creator of all worlds, to Him alone we pray and to Him alone we seek help. We are deeply grateful for the blessings, peace, and good health bestowed upon us, enabling us to gather here this afternoon.

We are gathered here today for an auspicious, important, and meaningful occasion that fills us with pride. At the same time, we must not forget our brothers and sisters in other parts of the country who have recently suffered from natural disaster – in Aceh, West Sumatra, North Sumatra, as well as in East Java, Central Java, Kalimantan, and several other regions.

We hold them in our thoughts. At the same time, we take pride in the performance and dedication of so many elements across all levels of society – the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Ministry of Public Works, state-owned electricity company PLN, Dananatara, and the countless volunteers who have worked hand in hand. Together, we have shown that the Indonesian nation is a strong nation, a capable nation – one that can depend on its own strength.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation and the honor to attend this grand harvest event and to witness the official announcement that Indonesia has once again managed to achieve food self-sufficiency.

Thank you.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Wherever I go, I always emphasize that the Indonesian nation must remain vigilant – a nation willing to reflect on itself, and brave enough to face any challenge.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We all know that our nation is blessed with abundant resources. Since being elected and taking office as President, I have come to understand even more deeply that the vast wealth that Indonesia has. Yet I must honestly say that I feel concerned and saddened by the reality that much of this wealth has not been managed wisely, leading to significant losses. I had been aware of this issue for some time, but I did not fully realize the extent of those losses until now.

Long before I was elected president, I had been fighting tirelessly – in my capacity as Chairperson of HKTI, as the leader of a political party. Why? Because I saw that something was deeply wrong in our nation. For decades, I have witnessed how millions of people are living in poverty in a country rich in resources.

I find it difficult to comprehend how a nation so rich in resources, a nation that fought for its independence for hundreds of years, still cannot bring prosperity for most of its people. Moreover, how can a country so abundantly blessed by the Almighty – with vast lands, rich natural resources, and fertile soil – remain dependent on other countries for its food needs? We keep importing, importing, and importing. This troubles me deeply; it goes against both my heart and my reason.

I am indeed not an intellectual. I am not a professor. But I can distinguish right from wrong. I can see what is logical and what is not. I can feel what is just and what is unjust. This is why I continue to stand firm and keep fighting, even when I am accused of wanting to become a dictator, of seeking power, of plotting a coup. Since my youth, I have sworn an oath as a soldier, a TNI soldier, a people’s soldier. The TNI was born from the people. When we fought for this country, it was the people of Indonesia who fed us. When we declared our independence on 17 August 1945, we have no money. Ministry of Finance had not yet been established, there were no taxes, and there was no customs office. So, who supported our fighters? Who sustained our struggle? It was the Indonesian people. It was farmers fed our soldiers and fighters. Without the service and sacrifice of our farmers, we would never have achieved independence.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I joined the army in 1970, and I still remember that every time I trained in villages across Central Java and West Java, the people would come out of their humble homes – bamboo houses with earthen floors. They would approach us with kindness, offering tea, bananas, and cassava, even though they had to gather firewood and fetch water from afar, just to prepare them. Such gestures reflected the people’s deep affection for the military and the farmers’ strong sense of devotion to the Indonesian nation. Farmers are the most faithful, loyal, and patriotic citizens of the Republic of Indonesia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cannot understand why, for decades, our farmers and our fishers have not been properly respected, defended, and protected. When I retired from the military, I felt respected, I felt honored. Leaders of HKTI and leaders of KTNA asked me, a former Commander of Kostrad, to become the Chairman of HKTI. And I accepted that invitation as a very noble calling, which is to defend the interests of Indonesian farmers and fishers. This is truly an honor for me.

I still remember the people who fed me when I was young, and I will never forget them. This is my opportunity to give back –  to return everything to the Indonesian farmers. I became a general because of the farmers; I became a general because of the Indonesian people. The rank I hold comes from the people, and this is why I must dedicate my life to serving them. This same spirit is shared by all of my aides. Many of the people here today, ladies and gentlemen, are already well-established. God has blessed them with prosperity and good fortune.

Mr. Amran is a successful businessperson who has chosen to make personal sacrifices in order to serve as a minister. I believe he sleeps only, perhaps four hours a day. Sometimes I worry about him, but deep down, I also feel proud. Take Mr. Zulkifli Hasan, for example. He continues to fight and remain active in politics, even though many find it surprising that he chose such a path, knowing that politics in Indonesia demands great sacrifice. Those who truly want to serve and do good are often criticized, their mistakes constantly sought out. But that’s alright. I always say: the higher you climb, the stronger the wind blows. Only those with strength and resilience will reach the top.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Leaders, officials, Governors, Regents, Mayors, and CEOs of state-owned enterprises—do not be afraid and do not hesitate. And to my younger colleagues, my Ministers, do not waver. Serve the people with honor. One day we will stand before our Creator; that is inevitable. And I always say: when an elephant dies, it leaves its tusks; when a tiger dies, it leaves its stripes. When a human being dies, all that remains is their name and their reputation.

And when the time comes, will the people say, “When he led, he was a good person; when he led, he always stood up for the people; when he led, he always defended justice; when he led, he always protected the weak; when he led, he always helped the poor; when he led, he always upheld fairness”?

I believe that if they do, our families would be proud. This is far better than hearing people say, “He was a thief, a corrupt official, he stole from the people, he enriched himself.” So, we must be grateful for this trust. It is an opportunity to contribute, to give our best efforts, because sometimes truth and justice can only be realized through courageous and honest leadership.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we celebrate an important milestone. A nation cannot be truly independent if its people lack access to food. Nor can a country be truly free if its food supply depends on others. We witnessed this reality during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rice-producing countries stop exporting Indonesia. At that time,  I was already serving as a minister, and I fully understood the challenge. My predecessor shared with me how he had to travel to different nations, negotiating directly with their leaders to secure rice. Thanks to his relationships with several key figures, the situation was eventually resolved. The pandemic served as a wake-up call –  a warning light for the Indonesia – not to become complacent or overly dependent on other nations, especially when it comes to vital needs such as food, fuel and energy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Almighty has truly blessed us with abundant gifts. We can rely on agricultural sector and energy sectors. From palm oil, we can produce diesel fuel; from cassava and sugarcane, we can produce ethanol for gasoline. This is truly remarkable. During my presidential inauguration, I set a target of achieving food self-sufficiency – particularly in rice production –  within four years.

Yet, thank you the entire Indonesian agricultural community for your hard work, collaboration, and cooperation. You have successfully met a target that was set for four years in just a year, for the sake of the state and the nation. In a year, we achieved food self-sufficiency and rely on its own strength. We were no longer dependent on other nations in one year.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I truly believe in you and I am proud of you. Today, you have succeeded as the nation’s finest sons and daughters, proving that Indonesia can indeed achieve great things. There are some among our elites who often mock, insult, slander, and sneer at us, claiming that the Indonesian nation has no accomplishments. When our athletes fight and compete, they do not even offer congratulations. They fail to appreciate the Government’s efforts and instead they always choose to ridicule it. I find such behavior strange – perhaps even a sign of instability. But let them be; it is none of our concern. In my view, they are merely keyboard warriors on social media – who knows, maybe even paid to do so. What truly matters is that you, today, have given our nation and state clear and tangible proof of achievement. In my eyes, you have marked an important milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward true independence .

My Fellow Indonesians,

Several prominent figures approached me a few months ago, saying, “Pak Bowo, it’s impossible for Indonesia to achieve self-sufficiency.” They truly believed it couldn’t be done. Some even cautioned me, saying, “Be careful with Amran. He tends to make too many promises.” But today, ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to confer Mr. Andi Amran Sulaiman the nation’s highest service medal. He will continue to walk alongside with all of you, together, with your teams and colleagues. All of you have secured the future of the Indonesian nation and I firmly believe that from this moment on, we will be unstoppable. I saw earlier the downstream products, the innovations derived from agriculture – and they were truly remarkable.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We will not only achieve self-sufficiency in rice, but also corn production. Mr. Amran has given me his commitment, supported by Vice Minister of Agriculture, as well as personnel of the Indonesian National defense Forces (TNI) and Polri. In a near future, we will achieve self-sufficiency in corn production. We will also reduce the price of livestock feed for all farmers and livestock breeders. We have indeed lowered fertilizer price, and if possible, we will bring them down even further.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to be a President who can bring down the prices of essential commodities – food,  fertilizer, seedling – so that everything becomes more affordable for our people. I want children born in farming families to have access to quality education, enabling them to become engineers, doctors, or even generals – just like our Minister of Agriculture who is the son of a farmer. Vice Minister of Agriculture, who is himself the son of a farmer. Now, they have become Minister and Vice Minister. They are real farmers as their skin is tanned. There’s no such thing as a real farmer with white skin; those with white skin are movie stars or singers, band singers. Indeed, Minister of Agriculture and Vice Minister of Agriculture are well matched. When they walk together, they’re in sync, number one and number two, both tanned-skinned. At night when it’s dark, you can’t see them. Only their teeth are visible when they smile.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am truly proud of you. Today is a joyful and meaningful day for me. I feel great happiness and renewed hope. When certain figures mock us, saying that food self-sufficiency was impossible, you prove them wrong today. We have achieved it. Some other belittled us, claiming this achievement would not last more than a year or two, but I am not concerned. What matters is that we continue to prove, year after year, that we can sustain food self-sufficiency, not only in rice but also in corn, cassava, and garlic production.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We will also strengthen our fish farming industry. We will establish thousands of fishers’ villages and develop hundreds of modern fish farms. This is because our people – and especially children  – must have access to high protein food so they can grow strong, healthy and intelligent, building a brighter future for Indonesia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is part of our grand plan. Today, I am truly grateful for the support and positive energy I feel. Learning that farmers’ income has increased makes me feel 30 years younger. According to a report from Minister of Maritime Affairs –  are you here, Minister? –  fishers’ production has also risen and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. We have set a target of establishing 1,100 fishers’ villages by 2026, with even more to follow in the years ahead.

Today, we have provided nutritious meals to 55 million Indonesian children. Imagine that – 55 million in just a year. No country has achieved anything like this. Although some people mocked our efforts, that’s alright. What matters most is that we are working for the people. When I arrived in this village, many residents told me that the free nutritious meals program has not yet reached their areas. I apologize for our current limitations, but I promise that by 2026, this program will be implemented in every village across Indonesia. Our goal is to distribute free nutritious meals to all villages by December 2026. Hopefully, we can reach that target even sooner but above all we must ensure that every child, every pregnant woman, and every elderly citizen  receives the support they deserve.

I hope in the future, Indonesia will be known for its ability to care for its people in the best way possible. Therefore, I call upon all high-ranking officials, leaders, ministers, and partners to continue supporting our nation’s unity. Together, we must fight corruption and abuse of power, and uphold the law with firmness and integrity. We have already taken control of and reclaimed more than four million hectares of palm oil plantations that were operating illegally. Is that correct, Attorney General? In 2026, we may seize another four to five million hectares. We have also taken decisive action against hundreds of illegal mining sites and prevented potential state losses worth hundreds of trillions of rupiah from corruption. Although certain practices may still persist, we will never stop taking action. The people’s money must be used for the people, for the whole Indonesian nation. Every rupiah must serve public interest. This is my commitment as a President elected by the people. This is the duty of the Red and White Cabinet.

Alhamdulillah, I can say I am proud of the cabinet I have led after witnessing its performance over the past year. We have worked hard and grown into a team that does not rely solely on leader’s instruction. Just like a football team, everyone understands their position and role –  a striker knows their task, a defender knows theirs, and even substitute players are ready to give their best when they step onto the field.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

That concludes my remarks and I thank you all. Minister of Agriculture has already expressed gratitude to the relevant officers, and I believe he has spoken on my behalf. Nevertheless, allow me to convey my highest appreciation to all of you – the governors, the regents, the leaders regardless your political affiliations. I neither ask nor need to know them, because what matters most is we are all Indonesian. Competition is healthy; it would not be meaningful if we compete alone. Just like in a 100-meter race, you cannot run it by yourself. What truly matters is that we share the same objective in this competition. Whoever wins must work for the people. Do not misuse power after achieving victory. During my first year as President, I have encountered many attempts that individuals seeking to offer bribes or request favors. My answer is always firm: uphold the law in line with the nation’s interest. That is all I care about.

I have received a list of companies that violated the regulation and are facing permit revocation. I said that I did not want to see it because I am afraid someone I know might be on the list – it could influence my judgement. Once I look at it, I might say, “Oh, that’s my friend,” or “That person is from the Gerindra Party.” So, it’s better if I don’t know. If permits are revoked, that is the authority of the Attorney General after all. And you Ministers, were appointed, for this role and it’s fine if you are criticized. I just prefer to not read it so it can remain impartial.

A Minister once asked me to read the list, but I was concerned that it might include someone I know – or perhaps a member of the Gerindra Party. So, I told them that I didn’t want to know who was on the list and handed it over directly to law enforcement. They asked whether I had any information about it. The answer is so simple: there is no need for interpretation. The Indonesian language version of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitutions clearly states that the land, the waters and all natural resources contained within them shall be controlled by the State and used to maximize the welfare of the people. Is that clear enough? Those who cannot understand the sentence should resign. You can be replaced by many. You don’t have to worry since excellent youth are willing to fight for the good.

Once again, thank you for your dedication. This remarkable achievement strengthens our confidence as we pursue the goals ahead – moving from one success to the next  We are capable; Indonesia is capable; Our nation has a bright future, a strong spirit, and the promise of prosperity. And that prosperity depends on its people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am a former soldier, a warrior. In the military, we have a code of conduct and customs that teach subordinates to respect their superiors. That is how it has long been in Indonesia. In some countries, superiors and subordinates show mutual respect at the same time. But from a young age, when I led combat troops, I developed my own habit. At times, I led my soldiers  with firmness, even harshly, but in the end we achieved success, and I grew deeply impressed and proud of my men. In the end, I was I who saluted them first.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to follow the intuition and habits I have carried since my youth. Allow me to offer my salute to all of you who have worked hard and devoted yourselves, enabling us to achieve food self-sufficiency today.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
May peace be upon us all,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om santi santi santi om,
Namo Buddhaya,
Greeting of virtue.

Merdeka (Independence)!
Merdeka (Independence)!
Merdeka (Independence)!

Long live farmers!
Prosper Indonesia!
Advanced Indonesia!

I thank you.

Continue your hard work!

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, on this day, Wednesday, January 7^th 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, as the President of the Republic of Indonesia, hereby declare that we have achieved food self-sufficiency in 2025 for all Indonesians.

Thank you.

(RAS/EP)