When it comes to securing Indonesia’s food supply, Prabowo Subianto, presidential candidate number 02, has a bold solution in mind. He envisions the creation of a “food estate” – a concept reminiscent of a rustic farm that holds the key to achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
According to Prabowo, the idea of a food estate dates back to the 1970s. Ibnu Sutowo, a prominent military figure and CEO of Pertamina during the New Order regime, first proposed the concept of a rice barn. “One of the main strategies is a food estate, a rice barn that has been proposed by Mr. Ibnu Sutowo since the 70s. So it’s almost 50 years ago. And this is the only way,” he exclaimed during a Presidential Candidate 02 Prabowo Subianto Dialogue with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Djakarta Theater, Jakarta.
He continued to express his frustration with the current state of affairs, stating, “The neolibs understand, what’s the use of buying rice from Indonesian farmers when we can buy it cheaper from Vietnam.” This reliance on foreign sources poses a risk to Indonesia’s food security, highlighting the pressing need for an alternative approach.
Prabowo stressed the importance of a food estate as a long-term solution to this issue. He emphasized the urgency of supporting local farmers and guaranteeing their prosperity. This includes ensuring easy access to fertilizers without excessive interference from middlemen. “Fertilizers must reach the farmers, don’t let there be too many middlemen for fertilizers. Don’t allow them to be traded, those are subsidized fertilizers for the people,” he added.
Prabowo’s vision resonates as a call for collaboration and innovation to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Indonesia. His emphasis on the need for a food estate and equitable access to resources for local farmers underlines the urgency of the situation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of strategic investments in agriculture, not only for food security, but also as a key step towards economic independence and prosperity for the Indonesian people.
In conclusion, Prabowo’s perspective is a poignant reminder of the importance of long-term planning and investment in the agricultural sector. It emphasizes the need to build a resilient and self-sufficient food supply, highlighting the interconnectedness of food security and economic prosperity.
