Jakarta Indonesia Sentinel — President Prabowo Subianto has raised Indonesia’s agricultural ambitions beyond achieving national food self-sufficiency, declaring his vision to transform the country into world food barn capable of supporting humanitarian needs in neighboring nations.
President Prabowo made the remarks while launching the “Gerakan Indonesia Menanam” (Indonesian Planting Movement) program in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (April 23, 2025). He described the initiative as a strategic effort to strengthen the country’s food security and sovereignty.
“Indonesia will become a global food barn. Even now, we are able to help other countries,” Prabowo said during his address. “We’re supporting our neighbors and brothers on humanitarian grounds, and that’s something we can be proud of.”
The president noted that Indonesia’s agricultural output has seen a significant increase over the past four months, drawing attention from several countries that have requested food assistance from Indonesia.
Prabowo expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in advancing the country’s agricultural output, including Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, local governments, farming groups, and other related parties.
Agriculture Minister Amran earlier reported that rice absorption from farmers through April 2025 had reached its highest level in over a decade, with national rice stockpiles hitting 3 million tons marking a milestone that strengthens domestic supply.
In additions to the ministry report, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said that with current reserves, Indonesia will not need to import rice until at least 2026.
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Therefore, President Prabowo emphasized that food security is the foundation of economic stability and national strength. He states that as long as the country can meet its own food needs, external economic fluctuations such as stock market volatility should not cause concern.
“There’s no need to fear if stocks go up or down,” he said. “As long as we can produce food, our country will be safe, there’s nothing to worry about.”
President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia is a strong nation, rich in natural resources. However, he stressed that the country’s wealth must not be enjoyed by only a privileged few, but should benefit all Indonesians.
“The wealth of this nation must be enjoyed by all its people, not just a select few,” Prabowo firmly stated.
As Prabowo raised Indonesia’s goal to become World Food Barn, the government has reiterated its commitment to achieving food sovereignty, identifying it as a top priority in building a self-reliant and resilient nation.
(Raidi/Agung)
