Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has assured that Indonesia's food production is currently secure and robust. He attributed this stability to the smooth transition of power from former President Joko Widodo to his administration.
"To be honest, with a smooth transition between President Joko Widodo and myself, we are now in this position – secure and robust food production," Prabowo said during a Full Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Office on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. However, he did not elaborate on Jokowi's specific role in achieving this outcome.
The former defense minister emphasized the strategic importance of food for national strength. He argued that a truly sovereign and independent country must be able to feed its own people.
"No sovereign independent country can exist without the ability to produce its own food," Prabowo stated.
He also warned of potential external threats targeting Indonesia through food vulnerabilities, saying the government's decision to focus on domestic food production may attract pressure or attacks from other nations.
Prabowo, who also serves as Chairman of the Gerindra Party, expressed appreciation for the officials and institutions contributing to the country's agricultural strength.
He specifically thanked the Minister of Agriculture, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and the Minister of Finance for their support in enhancing food security.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman reiterated the government's goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice, corn, and soybeans. He noted that efforts are underway to address the long-standing barriers to local production.
Currently, Indonesia produces around 700,000 to 800,000 tons of soybeans annually. However, domestic demand from the food and industrial sectors reaches between 2.5 and 2.7 million tons, leaving a significant gap. To meet this shortfall, the government still imports around 1.2 to 1.5 million tons of soybeans each year.
– Zed Ebidien contributed to the writing of this article.