In a concerted effort to bolster Indonesia's food security, the Tapin District Police in South Kalimantan have initiated a corn planting program. This initiative is part of the broader "One Million Hectares Simultaneous Corn Planting" campaign, a collaboration between the Indonesian National Police (INP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at achieving national food self-sufficiency.

The corn planting took place on land owned by the public vocational school SMKN 1 Tapin Selatan. Tapin Police Chief AKBP Jimmy Kurniawan emphasized that this program aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita vision, which underscores the importance of self-sufficiency in food, energy, water, and the strengthening of the green economy. He stated, "Simultaneous corn planting on one million hectares of land is not only for food security but also to support the nation's independence."

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the planting area to 25 hectares by utilizing vacant lands owned by companies in Tapin. The focus is on producing corn for animal feed, aiming to address shortages in this sector while providing economic benefits to the local community. This initiative is expected to enhance the availability of animal feed and support the vision of food self-sufficiency by involving both farmers and companies with significant potential for corn cultivation.

This local endeavor is part of a nationwide movement. The INP and the Ministry of Agriculture have been actively promoting corn planting across various regions. For instance, the North Kalimantan Regional Police have prepared 9,200 hectares of land to support the One Million Hectares Corn Planting Program. This program is a tangible manifestation of cross-sectoral collaboration, targeting an increase in corn production to boost national output by 25%.

These initiatives are in line with President Prabowo Subianto's broader agricultural policies. The government plans to expand food crop planting areas by three million hectares over the next five years to achieve food self-sufficiency. This expansion includes utilizing swamp areas in South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and Papua for rice cultivation. Despite concerns from environmentalists about potential deforestation, officials have assured that pristine forests will not be cleared, focusing instead on manageable swamp lands.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between the Tapin District Police, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local communities represent a strategic step toward realizing national food security. By expanding corn cultivation, Indonesia aims to meet domestic animal feed needs locally, enhance community welfare, and support regional economies. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to achieving self-sufficiency in essential sectors, contributing to the nation's overall resilience and independence.