Responding To The Formation Of 500 Battaliones, DPR: Food Security Affairs Should Not Be Diverted To The Military

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives Daniel Johan responded to the formation of 500 Development Territorial Infantry Battalions (Yonif TP) to accelerate the national priority program of President Prabowo Subianto's government. Daniel assessed that food security affairs should not be transferred to the military.

"Strengthening the agricultural sector should focus on empowering farmers, modernizing distribution systems, increasing land productivity, and developing agricultural technology, food security issues should not be transferred to military structures," said Daniel Johan, Tuesday, August 26.

According to Daniel, food security is the domain of technical ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Public Works, and BUMN in the food sector which have direct competence in the management of food prices.

"The approach to food development must be based on the community and directly targets farmer groups, fishermen, and breeders so that the benefits are real and sustainable," he continued.

Daniel said the production company of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock run by the military should serve as an extension of the technical ministry.

For example, through the coordination of village development programs, agricultural counseling, agricultural technology assistance, and strengthening local capacity.

"With this mechanism, the food security program will be more targeted, effective, and based on community participation," explained Daniel.

In addition, said Daniel, the civil approach also allows more transparent budget oversight. Then, according to him, the performance measurements are clear, and the continuity of long-term programs.

"So that the development of the food sector really supports the welfare of the people while maintaining national food sovereignty," he said.

Daniel also encouraged the government to strengthen the synergy between technical ministries and local governments, including through village-based innovative programs, local agribusiness development, and strengthening community food security institutions.

"Thus, food security can be achieved without the need to increase the military structure, as well as strengthen more sustainable and inclusive civilian capacity," concluded Daniel.

As is known, the government is targeting the construction of 500 territorial development battalions in five years throughout Indonesia to accelerate the national priority program promoted by President Prabowo Subianto. The program is related to food security to Free Nutrition Food.

The Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP) is a multifunctional military unit designed by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia to strengthen national defense as well as support the development of strategic sectors such as food, health and energy.

Based on information from the Ministry of Defense, the formation of the 500 battalions is said to have budget support from the Ministry of Finance. Every year, 100 development battalions will be formed.