Fadli Zon: HKTI Optimistic That Farmers' Welfare Will Increase Under Prabowo Subianto
JAKARTA The Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI) is optimistic that the welfare of farmers will increase under the leadership of President-elect Prabowo Subianto. The General Chairperson of the HKTI DPN, Fadli Zon, emphasized that Prabowo has a strong close relationship with the agricultural world. As the former Chairman of HKTI for two terms (2004-2010, 2010-2015), Prabowo is considered to understand and care about the fate of farmers.
"Indonesia is lucky to be led by a farmer cadre. We hope that, under President Prabowo's leadership, national agriculture will progress and the welfare of farmers will be realized," said Fadli in a written statement received on Tuesday, September 24, ahead of National Farmers' Day 2024.
HKTI emphasizes that farmers' welfare is the key to food security. Without welfare, many farmers have the potential to change professions and convert agricultural land. This will threaten the future of Indonesian food.
To improve farmers' welfare, HKTI has submitted a number of recommendations to Prabowo. Some of the main issues include productivity, subsidies, and support for domestic agricultural products.
Fadli Zon mentioned three important factors to increase agricultural productivity: land, seeds, and fertilizers. HKTI encourages agrarian reform to be carried out massively to improve small land ownership. The availability of superior seeds and fertilizers must also be guaranteed according to the right dose and time.
"Beets and fertilizers are the keys to the success of farming businesses. If these two things are not handled properly, productivity will be hampered," he said.
HKTI also emphasized the importance of providing subsidies and incentives for farmers. Fadli explained that the government needs to set a Government Purchase Price (HPP) for revised unhulled rice every year. This aims to ensure farmers' profits of up to 30 percent.
"HKTI proposes that the HPP of unhulled rice be updated every year, so that farmers get proper profits. In addition, the basic price policy and the highest price for unhulled rice need to be strengthened to protect farmers," he added.
Fadli emphasized that the basic price policy must apply to all extortion business actors, both private and BUMN, with sanctions for those who buy below this price.
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The latest issue proposed by HKTI is a priority for domestic agricultural products. In the Prabowo administration, one of the planned programs is the provision of free nutritious lunch for school children. HKTI hopes that this program can absorb local agricultural products, such as rice, vegetables, milk, meat, and fish.
"The free lunch program will improve children's nutrition while supporting farmers, breeders, and planters. This is a strategic step to move the people's economy," explained Fadli.
With these programs, HKTI believes that under Prabowo Subianto's administration, farmers' welfare will increase and the Indonesian agricultural sector will advance. "Happy National Farmers' Day 2024, Farmers' Prosperity," concluded Fadli Zon.