President Prabowo Subianto has always shown a deep appreciation for farmers, as mentioned by Dedek Prayudi, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO). This strong bond can be traced back to two significant moments in Prabowo’s life. Firstly, during his time as a military officer, he received immense support from local communities and farmers. Secondly, when he led the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI).
During the grand corn harvest for the Food Security Program in Jenggalu Village, Seluma Regency, Bengkulu Province, Uki emphasized the importance of food security, particularly in the current global context where Indonesia needs to reduce its dependence on foreign food supplies. He highlighted the potential repercussions if major food-producing countries like India, Brazil, and China were to halt exports, causing global food prices to escalate and affect Indonesia.
The harvest yielded about 10 tons of corn from 1.5 hectares, showcasing the success of government support through subsidized fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery. Uki encouraged the village head to streamline administrative processes for farmers to access subsidized fertilizer, as only 47 percent of the allocation had been utilized by August. The aim is not only to increase production capacity but also to ensure the farmers’ happiness and motivation.
Kelik Budianan, Head of the Food Data and Information Center at the National Food Agency (Pusdatin Bapanas), affirmed the agency’s backing of President Prabowo’s efforts. They are collaborating with the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to procure farmers’ corn harvests and integrate supply chains with livestock breeders. This initiative aims to stabilize prices for crops, feed, and livestock, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
The support from various stakeholders, including local government officials and agricultural organizations, signifies a concerted effort to enhance food security and boost the agricultural sector. President Prabowo’s commitment to farmers and food security reflects his dedication to ensuring the well-being of Indonesian communities.
Sources:
– https://prabowosubianto.com/pco-farmers-hold-a-special-place-in-president-prabowos-heart/
– https://prabowo2024.net/?p=23790