As Indonesia grapples with the challenge of an aging agricultural workforce, a new generation of youth is being empowered to take the reins of the nation’s food security. Leading this transformation is Petrokimia Gresik, a subsidiary of state-owned fertilizer holding company Pupuk Indonesia, with its impactful farmer regeneration initiative known as Wirakarya Taruna Makmur.

This program is designed not only to regenerate the country’s agricultural sector by equipping youth with modern farming skills but also to foster entrepreneurship, local food resilience, and long-term rural prosperity. The Petrokimia Gresik farmer regeneration initiative is fast becoming a benchmark in how corporate involvement can shape the future of farming in Indonesia.

Why Indonesia Needs Farmer Regeneration Now

Indonesia's agricultural backbone is showing signs of strain. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the average age of Indonesian farmers is around 50 years old. With fewer young people entering the farming profession, the nation faces a long-term threat to food production and rural development.

The decline in young farmers can be attributed to multiple factors, including urban migration, low income prospects, limited access to land, and outdated farming techniques. Against this backdrop, programs like Petrokimia Gresik’s Wirakarya Taruna Makmur offer hope.

Launched with the spirit of youth empowerment, the program invites young people from across Indonesia to undergo intensive agricultural training. Participants not only gain technical knowledge but are also introduced to agribusiness models, digital farming solutions, and sustainable practices.

The program aligns with the national vision of agricultural transformation, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture’s targets to modernize and rejuvenate the farmer population.

Inside the Wirakarya Taruna Makmur Program

At the heart of this movement is capacity building. Petrokimia Gresik provides a structured learning path for young participants, from seed selection and fertilizer application to crop monitoring and post-harvest management. This is not just classroom learning — it involves fieldwork, internships at farms, and exposure to market dynamics.

One of the main goals is to develop agripreneurs — youth who not only farm, but build agriculture-based businesses. Through mentoring and collaboration with agricultural extension officers, participants learn how to turn a small plot into a profitable venture.

To support these efforts, the program integrates Petrokimia’s own portfolio of fertilizers, such as Phonska Plus and NPK, while also introducing young farmers to precision farming tools and environmentally friendly inputs. This synergy between industry and innovation makes the program unique.

In its 2024-2025 implementation phase, the initiative reached over 300 participants across East Java, Central Java, and parts of Sumatra. Many graduates of the program are now independently managing farms, forming cooperatives, or working with local government units to scale their agribusiness ventures.

Corporate Commitment to Sustainable Farming

Petrokimia Gresik’s investment in this farmer regeneration program is not a one-off CSR activity. It’s a strategic commitment aligned with the company’s long-term sustainability goals and Pupuk Indonesia’s mandate to boost national food security.

Through its farmer empowerment programs, Petrokimia Gresik aims to reduce dependency on aging farmers and increase the adoption of smart agriculture. This is especially critical in the face of climate change and fluctuating commodity prices, both of which demand adaptable and well-trained agricultural talent.

The company has also emphasized its role in strengthening village economies, as the youth trained under this program often bring new energy to rural entrepreneurship. From developing organic fertilizer products to digital market platforms for farm goods, the ripple effects of the program extend well beyond crop yields.

A growing number of program alumni are using technology to reduce inefficiencies in the value chain, such as introducing IoT-based irrigation, mobile apps for pest monitoring, or drone-assisted land mapping.

Youth as the Future of Food Security

The government has recognized the importance of youth involvement in farming. The Ministry of Agriculture has stated that Indonesia needs at least 2.5 million new young farmers by 2030 to maintain current levels of production and replace retiring farmers.

The Petrokimia Gresik farmer regeneration program answers this call, not only by producing competent young farmers but also by improving the image of farming as a viable and respectable profession.

Many participants report a shift in mindset — from viewing farming as a last resort to seeing it as an entrepreneurial path filled with purpose and potential. The stories of graduates turning family land into profitable agribusinesses are testament to this transformation.

Additionally, by embedding environmental sustainability in its curriculum, the program ensures that future farmers are not just productive but also conscious stewards of the land.

Collaboration and Community Building

A notable feature of the program is its community-based approach. Petrokimia Gresik collaborates with local governments, agricultural training centers, universities, and farmer cooperatives to provide holistic support to participants.

This partnership model allows for the creation of local ecosystems that nurture innovation and ensure the program’s sustainability. For instance, in Gresik Regency, participants have access to community demonstration plots, mentorship from successful local farmers, and access to Petrokimia’s supply chain.

By fostering peer-to-peer learning and shared accountability, the program builds social capital alongside economic benefits. It’s a model that could be replicated across other provinces in Indonesia and potentially across Southeast Asia.

Measuring the Impact and Looking Forward

The impact of the Petrokimia Gresik farmer regeneration initiative is already evident. A 2024 impact assessment revealed that 72 percent of participants continued their involvement in agriculture six months after completing the program. Of these, 40 percent had launched independent agribusinesses or collaborated on community-based agricultural projects.

Moreover, local governments report improved productivity and reduced youth unemployment in regions where the program operates. These outcomes suggest that regeneration is not just a buzzword but a viable policy and business strategy.

Looking ahead, Petrokimia Gresik aims to scale the program nationwide and explore digital education platforms to reach remote youth. The inclusion of female participants is also a priority, recognizing the critical role of women in food systems.

Conclusion: Cultivating the Next Generation

The Petrokimia Gresik farmer regeneration program is more than a training initiative. It is a bold vision for Indonesia’s agricultural future, built on the belief that with the right support, youth can lead the charge toward sustainable food systems.

As more companies, governments, and communities recognize the urgency of farmer regeneration, this program stands as a shining example of how inclusive, strategic investment can create lasting impact.

In a world increasingly shaped by climate uncertainty and digital disruption, the future of farming lies in the hands of those willing to innovate, collaborate, and regenerate — and thanks to programs like this, that future looks a little brighter.