Two agricultural startups in Indonesia, PT Agribis Lintas Benua and PT Agri Sparta Indonesia, have joined forces to support the country’s food security program. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's vision for national food resilience and rice self-sufficiency.

Their partnership involves a pilot rice farming project on a 30-hectare plot in Wonosari, Klaten, Central Java. The initiative will span three planting seasons, with plans to scale up operations to 2,000 hectares over the next two years, according to Pamrihadi Wiraryo, Founder and Senior Advisor of Agribis.

“This collaboration is a strategic partnership between two agricultural startups sharing a vision to advance the farming sector, particularly rice cultivation. It’s also a mission to enhance food security amidst climate change while improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers,” said Galang, Co-founder and CEO of Agri Sparta.

Pamrihadi, who previously led Food Station Tjipinang Jaya, emphasized that the harvested dry unhusked rice would be absorbed by Bulog, Indonesia's state logistics agency. Agri Sparta has established a direct partnership with Bulog to ensure the rice contributes to the national stockpile, bolstering food security across the country.

The collaboration highlights the growing role of private-sector initiatives in supporting government programs. By working together, Agribis and Agri Sparta aim to address challenges such as climate change and fluctuating rice supplies, ensuring a steady stock of rice for national needs.

Innovative Strategies for Food Security

This partnership demonstrates the potential for private startups to drive innovation in the agriculture sector. The planned expansion to 2,000 hectares showcases a scalable model for sustainable rice production that leverages technology and strategic alliances.

The program also underscores the importance of collaboration between startups, the government, and state-owned enterprises like Bulog. This integrated approach could become a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in staple food production.

As climate change increasingly impacts agriculture, such initiatives are essential to safeguard Indonesia’s food supply and enhance the resilience of its agricultural systems. The Agribis-Agri Sparta partnership sets a promising example for advancing food security while improving farmer welfare.