Farmers have always been close to President Prabowo Subianto’s heart, as stated by Dedek Prayudi, Senior Expert at the Presidential Communication Office (PCO). This special connection can be traced back to two significant moments in Prabowo’s life. The first was during his military service, where he received support from local communities and farmers. The second was when he led the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI). Dedek, also known as Uki, shared these insights during the grand corn harvest for the Food Security Program in Jenggalu Village, Bengkulu Province. He emphasized the importance of the food security program, especially in the current global context where Indonesia needs to reduce its dependence on foreign food sources. If major food-producing countries like India, Brazil, and China were to stop exporting, global food prices would rise, impacting Indonesia. With government support such as subsidized fertilizers and pesticides, Uki encouraged farmers to increase their cultivated area and yields, motivating them to improve production. He also urged the village head to expedite administrative processes for farmers to access subsidized fertilizers. Kelik Budianan from the National Food Agency expressed support for President Prabowo’s initiative, coordinating with the State Logistics Agency to absorb farmers’ corn harvests and integrate supply chains with livestock breeders. This collaborative effort aims to ensure favorable prices for crops, feed costs, and livestock prices. The involvement of various stakeholders, including government agencies and local leaders, underscores the commitment to enhancing food security and supporting farmers in Indonesia.
