Prabowo Vows Indonesia Will Feed Itself, Warns of External Pressure

Indonesia is determined to achieve food self-sufficiency, a cornerstone of national sovereignty, according to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto.Speaking during a Full Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Office on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Prabowo emphasized the critical link between food security and a nationS independence, though he didn’t detail former President Jokowi’s role in the progress made.

The Strategic Importance of Food Sovereignty

Prabowo passionately argued that a truly sovereign nation must be able to feed its own people. “No sovereign self-reliant country can exist without the ability to produce its own food,” he stated,underscoring the fundamental importance of domestic food production. This isn’t simply about agricultural output; it’s about national security and resilience.He also cautioned that Indonesia’s commitment to bolstering its own food supply could invite resistance from othre nations. The move towards self-reliance, he warned, may attract pressure or even purposeful attempts to undermine the country’s efforts. This highlights a growing awareness of food as a potential geopolitical weapon and the need for Indonesia to proactively safeguard its food systems.

Prabowo, who also chairs the Gerindra Party, took the prospect to publicly acknowledge the dedication of various government bodies and individuals working to strengthen Indonesia’s agricultural sector.He specifically thanked the Minister of Agriculture, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, the Attorney General’s office, and the Minister of Finance for their collaborative support. This unified front demonstrates the seriousness with which the government is approaching this critical issue.

Addressing the Soybeans Gap: A National Priority

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman echoed prabowo’s sentiments, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in key staples: rice, corn, and soybeans.He acknowledged the persistent challenges hindering local production and assured the public that targeted efforts are underway to overcome them.

Currently, Indonesia’s soybean production hovers around 700,000 to 800,000 tons annually. However, demand from both the food processing industry and direct consumption reaches a substantial 2.5 to 2.7 million tons.This important deficit necessitates importing approximately 1.2 to 1.5 million tons of soybeans each year,creating a vulnerability Indonesia is determined to address.Closing this gap is a national priority. The government is focusing on improving farming techniques, providing access to better seeds and fertilizers, and strengthening the entire soybean supply chain – from farm to table. This includes investing in research and growth to create higher-yielding, disease-resistant soybean varieties suited to Indonesia’s diverse climates.

Furthermore, the government is exploring innovative solutions, such as leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize agricultural practices. As reported recently, Indonesia is actively seeking collaboration with china to develop AI-powered tools for the agricultural sector, promising a future of smarter, more efficient farming. Indonesia Seeks China’s Support in Developing AI for the Agricultural Sector

This push for food self-sufficiency isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering Indonesian farmers, creating jobs, and building a more resilient and prosperous future for all. It’s a bold vision, and one that the government, under Prabowo’s leadership, appears fully committed to realizing.

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Zed Ebidien contributed to the writing of this article.