Prabowo Emphasizes that Disaster-Affected Areas Must Not Lack Food

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that there was no reason for areas affected by natural disasters to experience food shortages.

In a directive to regional heads throughout Papua at the State Palace, Jakarta, Prabowo said that this must be supported by the readiness of national food reserves and the ability of the central government to distribute food aid in sufficient quantities to disaster-affected areas.

Reflecting on the disasters that occurred in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, Prabowo stated that disaster events are a reminder of the importance of food independence down to the village level.

"We are grateful that in the midst of a storm, in the midst of a disaster, our food sources are sufficient. Even the Minister of Agriculture reported to me that for the disaster-affected areas, we were able to send three times the needs from the central government. So, there is no reason in the affected areas to have food difficulties. There is no reason to worry because the reality is that we are able," said Prabowo as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 16.

The government emphasizes that every village, sub-district, and district must be able to survive when there are disruptions, including the interruption of communication and distribution due to disasters.

For this reason, the strengthening of the food storage concept is considered to be the key, ranging from village, sub-district, district, provincial, to national warehouses. This effort is in line with the government's efforts to encourage food self-sufficiency in every region.

The Ministry of Agriculture has carried out various programs to open and develop food sources in all districts, adjusting to the potential of each region, such as rice, corn, sago, and cassava.

The government also highlighted the logistical challenges due to Indonesia's vast geographical conditions. Inter-regional dependence is considered to have the potential to increase distribution costs and food prices, so that local food self-sufficiency becomes a long-term solution to maintain supply and price stability.

In the midst of the disaster, the government ensures that food supplies remain safe. In fact, for disaster-affected areas, the central government is able to send food aid up to three times the normal requirement.

With these steps, the government is optimistic that national food security will remain maintained, even in the midst of emergency situations and natural disasters.

"So, we are forced by nature to each pursue food self-sufficiency. Where can you have rice fields for rice, let's do it, or corn, sago or cassava gardens. This is the key to our survival as a nation," explained President Prabowo.

English:

English: