M Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – Agriculture Observer at the Indonesia Association for Political Economy (AEPI), Khudori, responded to the IKN Authority's plan for modern agriculture in Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan.
"The question is, who will implement (modern agriculture)? Will IKN Authority execute the plan for environmentally friendly agriculture?" Khudori told Tempo on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Khudori reminded that comprehensive planning is necessary to implement the modern agricultural system, especially since the government failed the food estate program due to poor planning.
"The planning aspect is crucial," Khudori said, claiming that the government has no success record due to poor planning.
Khudori also emphasized that modern agriculture policy must use a smart agriculture approach and shall be managed by the appropriate institution. Especially when the policy depends solely on residents, considering IKN is not a food-producing region.
Previously, the Deputy of Environment and Natural Resources at IKN Authority, Myrna Safitra, said 10 percent of the land area in IKN is a food-producing or agricultural zone. This, she said, will become the target policy to invite the young generation to help realize food self-sufficiency in the new capital.
Myrna said agricultural activities in Samboja and West Samboja Districts are vital as a healthy food resource in IKN. "We also encourage them to follow the climate change management efforts," Myrna said in a written statement.