Farmers have always been close to President Prabowo Subianto’s heart, as stated by Dedek Prayudi, a Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO). Prayudi mentioned two significant moments that deepened the President’s connection with farmers. The first was during his military service, where he received assistance from local communities and farmers. The second was when he led the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI).
The remarks were made during the grand corn harvest event for the Food Security Program in Jenggalu Village, Seluma Regency, Bengkulu Province. Prayudi emphasized the importance of the food security program, especially in light of global circumstances requiring Indonesia to reduce its dependence on foreign food sources. He highlighted the potential impact of major food-producing countries like India, Brazil, and China halting exports, which could lead to a surge in global food prices affecting Indonesia.
With government support such as subsidized fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery, the cultivated area and yields are expected to increase, motivating farmers further. Prayudi urged the village head to streamline administrative processes for farmers to access subsidized fertilizers, noting that only 47 percent of the allocation had been utilized as of August. Collaboration between the National Food Agency and the State Logistics Agency is underway to support President Prabowo’s initiative by absorbing farmers’ corn harvests.
Kelik Budinan, Head of the Food Data and Information Center at the National Food Agency, expressed support for the integration of farmers and livestock breeders’ supply chains. This collaboration aims to ensure favorable prices for crops, feed, and livestock. The effort was acknowledged by various officials present at the event, including the District and Village Heads, as well as representatives from Pupuk Indonesia and the National Development Policy Assistance Network (JPKP).
