Indonesian Presidential candidate number 2, Prabowo Subianto, has once again brought the idea of a massive food estate project to the forefront as the key to achieving food security in Indonesia. With vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, he painted a picture of the food estate project as a longstanding vision, dating back to the 1970s.

Speaking at the Presidential Candidates’ Dialogue with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta on January 12, 2024, Prabowo weaved a captivating tale of agricultural prosperity and national survival. He emphasized that this project is not merely a commercial venture, but a strategic imperative for the survival of the nation.

In his narrative, Prabowo championed the success stories of farmers whose incomes had flourished under the food estate project. He warned against the dangers of relying on rice imports, painting a vivid image of potential national peril if exporting countries decided to close their supply channels.

However, the narrative took a twist when the project faced criticism from his opponent, presidential candidate number 1, Anies Baswedan. Anies presented a compelling counter-narrative, highlighting the environmental damage and failures of the cassava food estate project in Kalimantan, led by Prabowo. The emotional resonance of Anies’ tale hit a chord with many, as he called for a change in approach, condemning the project’s negative impact on the environment and its lack of success.

As the election race unfolded, the food estate project took centre stage, narrated with conflicting viewpoints, weaving a tapestry of promise and peril. The impending election on February 14, 2024, holds the key to the future of the food estate initiative and its role in Indonesia’s quest for food security. The conclusion of this riveting narrative is eagerly anticipated, as the fate of the food estate project rests in the hands of the Indonesian people.