M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, stated that President Prabowo Subianto is currently very concerned about the increasingly heated geopolitical situation. This is the basis for the president to request the Ministry of Public Works to support the food self-sufficiency program. Dody added that Indonesia is still unable to meet the food needs of the people.
"Our ability to achieve food self-sufficiency has not yet occurred, we still need rice from here and there. It is feared that it will become a bigger social problem," he said during a working meeting with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
Dody explained that one of the steps to support the food self-sufficiency program is by constructing dozens of new dams. He is also committed to maintaining the condition of existing dams to ensure the optimal water storage capacity. In addition, Dody will revitalize and improve the primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation networks. "Therefore, our leadership target within 4 or 5 years, or even earlier, can be achieved," he said.
To achieve food self-sufficiency, the minister from the Red-and-White Cabinet mentioned that they will slow down the development pace of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). This step is taken due to budget limitations, thus it will be adjusted to the readiness of the Ministry of Public Works. "From discussions with Mr. President Prabowo on several occasions, for the IKN, we will continue but the speed may not be as before," he said.
Earlier, the President of Indonesia for the period 2024-2029, Prabowo Subianto, stated that Indonesia must be able to produce its own food needs or achieve food self-sufficiency. This was one of the points conveyed in Prabowo's speech after being officially inaugurated this morning. Indonesia, according to Prabowo, must achieve food self-sufficiency in the shortest possible time.
"I have declared that Indonesia must promptly achieve food self-sufficiency," said Prabowo in his inaugural speech at the Inauguration of the President and Vice President of Indonesia for the period 2024-2029 at the DPR/MPR Complex, Sunday, October 20, 2024.
He emphasized that food self-sufficiency is important considering the uncertain global political situation. Indonesia cannot continuously rely on other countries to meet domestic food needs. There needs to be independent food resilience that Indonesia possesses. "There is no other way, in the shortest possible time, we must achieve food resilience," said Prabowo.
Prabowo predicted that Indonesia could achieve food self-sufficiency within only 4 to 5 years. Prabowo said he obtained this prediction after discussions with several economists. Moreover, he is confident that Indonesia can become the world's food barn.