Vice President Gibran Encourages Cross-Sector Synergy To Realize Food Self-Sufficiency

Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka/ANTARA/Azmi Samsul M

TANGERANG - Vice President (Vice President) of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy and collaboration in realizing the strengthening of national food self-sufficiency.

"I want to convey that we must continue working methods like this, we must add more to realizing the President's dream, namely strong food self-sufficiency," Gibran said in his remarks at the simultaneous corn planting activity in Tangerang Regency, Antara, Wednesday, October 8.

According to Gibran, efforts to strengthen food security are in line with national development programs that place food self-sufficiency as a top priority.

This is also in accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's direction which emphasizes the importance of strengthening strategic commodities to accelerate the achievement of national food security.

"I hope that in the future Bulog can also have more innovations, breakthroughs to increase absorption. Specifications of harvests that may not be appropriate, please find a joint solution," he said.

The Vice President assessed that collaboration between ministries and institutions, the private sector, and local governments is the key in realizing the fulfillment of national food power.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the sustainability of food commodity planting activities in various regions so that self-sufficiency goals can be achieved.

"There are already more than 30,000 farmer groups combined and the total production has reached 2.8 million in the third quarter. Moreover, in Banten there are many animal feed factories and independent breeders. So there is already an industry that accommodates corn planted," said Gibran.

On that occasion, Gibran also advised Bulog and related ministries to continue to support farmers through innovation, breakthrough, and convenience in the provision of fertilizers and plant seeds.

Previously, Vice President Gibran carried out a simultaneous corn planting activity in Bantar Panjang Village, Tigaraksa District, Tangerang Regency, Banten. He arrived at the location at around 08.56 WIB and was greeted by a number of officials, including Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Deputy Chief of Police Komjen Pol Dedi Prasetyo, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Pol Hengki, Banten Governor Andra Soni, and Tangerang Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid.

Arriving at the location, Gibran received reports from Polri officials and local governments regarding the development of agricultural products, plant varieties, and planting methods in the area.

He then planted hybrid corn which is known to have genetic resilience to comorbidities, so that it can save production costs.

In addition to planting, the Vice President also handed over agricultural production facilities and food packages from the National Police for the surrounding community. He also reviewed the agricultural processed stands as well as Tangerang-type micro, small and medium enterprise products (MSMEs).

This activity is also coupled with health checks and the distribution of free vitamins for residents.