In a recent statement, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono emphasized the Prabowo-Gibran administration's commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia. He highlighted that this initiative encompasses not only rice but also other essential commodities. "Food self-sufficiency is not only about rice but also other commodities. We start with rice as the main staple. In the agricultural sector, we make sure all components such as fertilizers, extension workers, irrigation, and seeds have been completed," Sudaryono stated.

The government is implementing strategic policies to enhance the agricultural sector. These include increasing the distribution of fertilizers, providing free seeds, and distributing agricultural tools and machinery (alsintan) evenly throughout the region. Such measures aim to ensure that Indonesia's primary food commodities can be met domestically, reducing reliance on imports. Sudaryono expressed optimism, stating, "Rice, God willing, this year it will be finished. Corn is finished, sugar is finished. Furthermore, we focus on other commodities that are still imported, such as milk, meat, garlic, or soybeans. As directed by the President, we will finish everything."

A significant aspect of this initiative is the plan to expand Indonesia's food crop planting areas by three million hectares over the next five years. This expansion aims to counter the decline in agricultural land due to land conversion. The plan involves utilizing swamp areas in South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and Papua for rice cultivation. Officials have assured that pristine forests will not be cleared; instead, the focus will be on manageable swamp lands. This approach is expected to boost national food production and reduce dependence on imports.

The government is also promoting urban farming through the Sustainable Food House Area program. In collaboration with the Village Ministry, this program empowers communities to meet their food and nutrition needs by farming and raising livestock in their own yards, even in urban areas. Deputy Minister Sudaryono emphasized the importance of utilizing every inch of available land, stating, "Urban farming means utilizing every inch of land we have. In the city, it’s possible."

Furthermore, the government is encouraging domestic cattle ranchers to import 400,000 breeding cows in 2025 to support its free school meals program. This initiative aims to provide meals to children and pregnant women, with a goal of eventually feeding over 80 million individuals. Over the next five years, the goal is to import two million breeding cows to meet the demand for beef and milk locally. Currently, Indonesia imports cattle from Australia and milk from New Zealand and is considering cattle imports from Brazil.

These comprehensive efforts reflect the Prabowo-Gibran administration's dedication to not only achieving food self-sufficiency but also positioning Indonesia as a global food exporter. With its vast potential in terms of population, geography, and geopolitical significance, Indonesia is poised to become a world food center. As Deputy Minister Sudaryono stated, "After achieving self-sufficiency, we want to become an exporter and a food barn, not only for the needs of the Indonesian people but also for the world."