President Prabowo Affirms Indonesia’s Food Production Is Secure, Credits Smooth Transition of Leadership

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the stability and strength of Indonesia’s food production sector, attributing this success in part to the smooth leadership transition from former president Joko Widodo, which has helped solidify national food security efforts.

“I can say that our food production remains secure and robust,” President Prabowo declared during a plenary cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He emphasized the strategic importance of food sovereignty, stating that no country can achieve true independence without the ability to produce its own food.

“It does not happen; it will not happen. No country can be free and sovereign without the ability to make its own food. Hence, I see food production as a strategic matter,” he remarked.

President Prabowo reaffirmed that strengthening food production capabilities would remain a top national priority under his administration. He also issued a cautionary note about the potential for foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the sector.

Highlighting the progress made, he pointed to the increase in the farmers’ exchange rate and the current level of government food reserves, which have reached a historic high, as key indicators that the country’s food policies are on the right track.

The President expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in building and maintaining Indonesia’s food security, and commended the dedication and teamwork of his cabinet.

Prabowo, alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, chaired the eighth plenary cabinet session since assuming office on October 20, 2024.

“Without your hard work as a team, we would not have achieved what we have today. In such a short time, we have achieved so much,” President Prabowo said in appreciation of the ministers’ collective efforts.