RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has issued an urgent directive to finalize contracts for 101,503 hectares of new community rice fields (Cetak Sawah Rakyat) within the next month.
Speaking at a National Coordination Meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Minister emphasized that this rapid expansion is the "determining factor" in securing Indonesia's food sovereignty against global climate threats.
The aggressive one-month deadline is aimed at solidifying the nation's production base before unpredictable weather patterns, including potential El Niño cycles, can disrupt the global food supply.
A key component of this acceleration is the direct involvement of the Indonesian Military (TNI). Minister Amran described the partnership between agricultural officials and the military as a strategic necessity for national security.
“The time remaining is only one month. The contract target for 101,000 hectares of rice fields must be completed. I ask all ranks, including the TNI, to move quickly and work totally. This is the decider,” Minister Amran declared in Jakarta, as quoted on the Ministry's official website.
The Minister highlighted that when food supplies are compromised, national stability is at risk. Consequently, mobilizing Babinsa (village-level military officers) alongside PPL (agricultural extension workers) is vital to achieving the target by March 2026.
The 101,503-hectare project spans 16 priority provinces across the archipelago. The list includes high-potential regions such as Central Kalimantan, South Sumatra, and Merauke in South Papua, as well as several provinces in Sulawesi and the remainder of Kalimantan.
By expanding the planting area, Indonesia aims to eliminate its reliance on imports, a lesson learned from the 2023-2024 global food crisis, when exporting nations restricted rice exports.
“Extreme climate conditions are no longer an option. It is our duty to be prepared. If food is in short supply, the country has problems. Therefore, the TNI, local administration, and all ranks must intervene. This is a strategic command to maintain food sovereignty,” he added.
The Minister also shared that Indonesia’s success in boosting domestic production has had a cooling effect on international rice prices. By reducing its presence in the import market, Indonesia has inadvertently contributed to global price stability.
While the nation has accelerated its self-sufficiency timeline from a 4-year target to just 1 year, Amran warned his team not to become complacent.
“I beg for this to be resolved well. Mobilize all forces in the field. Indonesia's reputation is already good in the eyes of the world. Let there be no gaps. We must finish this in one month,” the Minister concluded.
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.