Bapanas Invites Business World to Collaborate to Strengthen Food Supply Chains

JAKARTA – The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo Adi, emphasized the importance of synergy between the government and businesses in building a strong and sustainable national food ecosystem.

One way is to strengthen collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and businesses to maintain the availability, affordability, and stability of national food prices.

Arif conveyed this during a retreat at the Magelang Military Academy (Akmil), Central Java, on Saturday, August 9.

"The concept of Indonesia Incorporated is highly relevant to the food sector. By combining the strengths of the government, the business world, and the community, we can build an efficient, fair, and resilient food supply chain from upstream to downstream," he said in a written statement.

He added that the success of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and the strengthening of village cooperatives requires real support from the private sector, from investment, technological innovation, to mentoring small businesses in the food sector.

"We encourage businesses to become active partners in strengthening local food production, processing, and distribution. This way, all levels of society can access nutritious, quality food at affordable prices," Arief said.

Responding to this, the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Bakrie, emphasized his readiness to be a strategic partner with the government, including the National Food Security Agency (Bapanas), in supporting national food security and sovereignty.

"The President's message has truly inspired us to be more active in helping the less fortunate and disadvantaged. Kadin views the food sector as one of the keys to accelerating economic growth and improving people's welfare. We are ready to synergize with Bapanas in strengthening the national food supply chain, developing innovation, and encouraging the downstreaming of local food products," said Anindya.