Indonesia Accelerates National Food Self-Sufficiency Goal to 2027
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced a significant acceleration in Indonesia’s timeline for achieving food self-sufficiency, moving the target forward to 2027 from the previously planned 2028.
The revised timeline, which was highlighted by President Prabowo Subianto during the G20 Summit and the APEC Forum, reflects the government’s determination to bolster food security amid global challenges.
Heightened Efforts Required
Minister Hasan acknowledged that the ambitious two-year advancement necessitates intensified efforts from all relevant ministries to resolve barriers impeding progress. Among the key challenges identified is the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, a critical factor in supporting farmers to achieve higher productivity.
“Efficient and timely distribution of subsidized fertilizers is essential. This process requires a ministerial decree from the Agriculture Ministry, which is then forwarded to Pupuk Indonesia, the state-owned fertilizer producer, for implementation,” Hasan explained.
He emphasized that Pupuk Indonesia must ensure the fertilizers reach farmer groups on time and in the required quantities to prevent delays in agricultural production.
Regulatory Simplifications
To address these challenges, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced plans to simplify the regulatory framework governing the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. With 147 regulations currently in place, these have been identified as significant bottlenecks for farmers.
“The government is committed to streamlining these regulations to ensure farmers receive their supplies without unnecessary delays,” Sulaiman stated.
Additional Measures
During the coordination meeting, Minister Hasan also discussed:
- Enhancing the commodity balance to better align supply and demand.
- Strengthening the roles of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) in achieving food self-sufficiency.
- Encouraging the Ministry of Agriculture to actively identify and support food-related businesses crucial to the initiative.
National Commitment
The acceleration of the food self-sufficiency target underscores Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring food security for its population while reducing dependency on imports. By prioritizing reforms and enhancing efficiency, the government aims to meet its ambitious goal of a self-sufficient food system by 2027.
