Ifan Ahmad, Gowa, South Sulawesi – In an ambitious effort to achieve food self-sufficiency within three years, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has pledged to increase farmers' incomes to Rp 10 million (approximately $640) per month – five times the current average wage for agricultural laborers.
Sulaiman made this announcement after distributing assistance to farmers at the Pattalassang Youth Field in Gowa, South Sulawesi. He highlighted the government's preparation of a modern agricultural cluster program, which will provide seeds, fertilizers, and advanced farming equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters, drones, and other digital production tools.
"We have traveled across Indonesia for 11 months to ensure our food security. I believe that from Gowa, Makassar, we can achieve self-sufficiency and become a global food hub within three years," he said.
In Gowa, the government plans to develop a 500-hectare modern agricultural cluster that will showcase the latest farming technologies, including rice planters and combine harvesters. This project will provide support with superior seeds for corn and rice, fertilizers, and high-tech equipment valued at Rp 65.4 billion, which includes 10 combine harvesters, 25 pumps, and 20 hand tractors.
The minister also set a target for rice production in South Sulawesi to reach 32 million tons by 2025, an increase from the previously estimated 30 million tons in 2024, following modernization efforts.
The minister emphasized the importance of involving the millennial generation in modern farming practices, utilizing high-tech equipment like harvesters and tractors. His goal is to attract 50,000 young Indonesians to the agricultural sector, enabling them to earn a monthly income of Rp 10 million each. He expressed optimism that a rapid agricultural revolution could be achieved across the country.
"The key is to engage the large number of young people in modern agriculture, ensuring a minimum income of Rp 10 million per person, targeting 50,000 youths to work in the fields," he said.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency in February 2024, the average wage for agricultural laborers is approximately Rp 2.1 million per month, significantly lower than the national average of Rp 3.04 million for laborers and workers. The agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors employ about 40.72 million individuals, accounting for 28.6 percent of Indonesia's workforce.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto has set a goal for Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency within four years of taking office. Speaking at the BNI Investor Daily Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center, Prabowo stressed the need to reduce the nation's reliance on food imports.
"Our survival as a nation depends on food sovereignty. A free nation must be able to produce and feed its people. We cannot continue to depend on imported food," Prabowo said.