Achieving Food Security in Indonesia Integral as Global Food Crisis Looms

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The government has taken measures to ensure food security amid the threat of a global food crisis, according to the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment.

Luhut Pandjaitan said that since the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization warned of a global food crisis stemming from the Covid-19 crisis in March 2020, the government has stayed busy devising a plan to achieve better food security in Indonesia.

Although Indonesia’s national food security index has improved, in reality, the country is still not self-sufficient thus leading to an increase in exports of goods, he said. 

Read also: Optimize Land Use amid Threat of Food Crisis: Indonesia’s VP

“We cannot stay quiet. A breakthrough and necessary actions must be taken to prepare ourselves for any future scenario. We would like for the country’s big aspiration listed in the National Food Security plan of being self-sufficient to achieve food security in Indonesia to be realized post-pandemic. It would be ideal if Indonesia can dominate the global export of goods.”

In keeping with the government’s objective to ensure food security in Indonesia, Luhut was joined by his fellow cabinet ministers in accompanying President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo.

The team visited one of the Food Estates in Siria-ria Villa, Humbang Hasundutan Regency in North Sumatra to see its progress.

Read also: Jokowi Visits Food Estate Barn in Central Kalimantan amid Nationwide Strike

Luhut said that the location of the Food Estate Zone does not trespass any protected forests or other conservation areas.

He added that the Indonesian government involved academics from renowned universities and institutes specializing in the field of Agriculture in its planning process.

During Jokowi’s visit, the Indonesian President invited his cabinet ministers to participate in distributing thousands of land certificates to the local communities at Simangaronsang Station in Doloksanggul Regency.

Read also: Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture Gets Innovative to Achieve Food Security

Luhut Pandjaitan said that he was moved by the farmers of his hometown because they were optimistic that they can help achieve food security in Indonesia and avoid a national food crisis.

“To witness the enthusiasm and optimism of the Siria-ria Village farmers, I am moved by their love of our country and the people. We may not feel anxious now because our basic crop supplies are still adequate, but a global food crisis looms."

(Writer: Ade Miranti Karunia | Editor: Yoga Sukmana)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/10/30/190000126/luhut--krisis-pangan-global-sudah-mengintai-dari-jauh