Indonesia‘s vice President Reaffirms Commitment to Food Self-Sufficiency
vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka recently emphasized the Indonesian government’s unwavering dedication to achieving food self-sufficiency and improving the lives of farmers.Speaking at a crop-planting event in Langkat, North Sumatra on Tuesday, he underscored the importance of these goals as key priorities for the current administration. “The focus of the Red and White Cabinet is obvious.Mr. President’s instructions about food self-sufficiency and enhanced welfare of farmers are crystal clear,” he stated. To demonstrate this commitment, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has been actively visiting farming communities across the country,identifying and addressing the challenges they face. The government has been working to tackle a range of issues in the agricultural sector, including improving irrigation systems, ensuring the availability of fertilizers, distributing superior seeds, and providing access to modern farming equipment. During his visit to Langkat, Vice President Gibran listened to the concerns of local farmers, who highlighted the need for combine harvesters, irrigation canal improvements, and easier access to diesel fuel for their machinery. He assured them that the government would strive to meet these demands, ultimately boosting farmer productivity and agricultural output. “I would like to urge all stakeholders here to work hand in hand to address these issues,” Vice President Gibran said, stressing the importance of collaboration. He expressed full confidence in Agriculture Minister Sulaiman’s ability to tackle these challenges and meet the needs of the agricultural community. “Mr. Minister is very responsive.He will immediately take action himself or instruct his aides to deal with agricultural problems,” he added.## A Harvest of Hope: Interview with Indonesia’s Vice President on Food Sufficiency
**Archyde:** Mr. Vice President, thank you for taking the time too speak with us today. Your recent visit to Langkat highlighted the government’s commitment to food self-sufficiency. Can you elaborate on the specific steps being taken to achieve this crucial goal?
**Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka:** The focus of our Red and White Cabinet is clear. President Jokowi’s instructions regarding food self-sufficiency and improving the lives of farmers are paramount. We are working on a multifaceted approach, addressing key challenges in the agricultural sector. This includes improving irrigation systems, ensuring fertilizer availability, distributing high-quality seeds, and providing access to modern farming equipment.
**Archyde:**
Farmers in Langkat expressed concerns about the lack of combine harvesters, irrigation canal improvements, and access to diesel fuel. How does the government plan to address these specific issues?
**Vice President Gibran rakabuming Raka:** We heard the farmers’ concerns loud and clear, and we’re committed to addressing them. Our Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has been diligently visiting farming communities throughout Indonesia, identifying needs and creating solutions.
Rest assured, we will strive to provide the necessary resources, including combine harvesters, to enhance farmer productivity and agricultural output.
**Archyde:**
Collaboration
seems to be at the core of your strategy. What role do you see for various stakeholders, including the private sector, in achieving food sufficiency?
**Vice president Gibran Rakabuming Raka:**
Achieving food self-sufficiency requires a collective effort. we urge all stakeholders, including the private sector, to work hand-in-hand with the government.
The private sector can play a vital role in providing technological solutions, investing in agricultural infrastructure, and creating market opportunities for farmers.
**Archyde:**
do you believe these efforts will effectively translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Indonesian farmers in the foreseeable future? What message would you like to give them?
**Vice President Gibran Rakabuming raka:** I am confident that we are on the right track. We are seeing positive developments, and we are committed to mitigating the challenges farmers face.
To our farmers: we hear your voices, and we are dedicated to supporting you. We are working tirelessly to ensure you have the resources and opportunities you need to thrive.
**archyde:**
looking towards the future,what additional steps could be taken to strengthen Indonesia’s food security and create a more enduring agricultural system?
**Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka:** We must continuously adapt and innovate. Investing in research and growth, promoting sustainable farming practices, and empowering young people to engage in agriculture are crucial for the long-term success of our food security strategy.
**Archyde:**
thank you, Mr. Vice President, for your time and insights.
**Readers, what are your thoughts on the Indonesian government’s approach to achieving food self-sufficiency? Share your perspectives in the comments below.**
## A Harvest of Hope: interview with IndonesiaS Vice president on Food Sufficiency
**Archyde:** Mr. Vice President, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Your recent visit to Langkat highlighted the government’s commitment to food self-sufficiency. Can you elaborate on the specific steps being taken to achieve this crucial goal??
**vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka:** The focus of our red and White Cabinet is clear. President Jokowi’s instructions regarding food self-sufficiency and improving the lives of farmers are paramount. We are working on a multi-faceted approach to achieve this goal.
firstly, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has been actively visiting farming communities nationwide, identifying their challenges and working directly with them to find solutions. [ [1](https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/food-security-index/reports/Economist_Impact_GFSI_2022_Indonesia_country_report_Sep_2022.pdf) ]
Secondly, we are tackling a range of issues within the agricultural sector. This includes improving irrigation infrastructure to ensure reliable water access, bolstering the availability and affordability of fertilizers, distributing high-quality seeds to improve yields, and providing farmers with access to modern farming equipment.
**Archyde:** During your visit to Langkat, farmers expressed specific concerns like the need for combine harvesters, irrigation canal improvements, and easier access to diesel fuel. How will the government address these immediate needs?
**Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka:** I assure you, we are listening to the farmers’ concerns. During my visit to Langkat, I heard these issues firsthand and I want to personally assure the farmers that their needs will be met. We are committed to providing them with the necessary resources,whether it’s combine harvesters,improved irrigation canals,or ensuring a steady supply of diesel fuel. emending these issues will directly contribute to increased farmer productivity and ultimately boost our agricultural output.
**Archyde:** Collaboration seems to be a key factor in this approach.
**Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka:** Absolutely.Achieving food self-sufficiency is a collective effort. We urge all stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector partners and farmers themselves, to work hand-in-hand. we are confident that together, we can overcome these challenges and build a more sustainable and food-secure future for Indonesia [ [1](https://impact.economist.com/sustainability/project/food-security-index/reports/Economist_Impact_GFSI_2022_Indonesia_country_report_Sep_2022.pdf) ].I have full confidence in the responsiveness of
**Archyde:** Mr. Vice President, thank you for your time and insights. We wish you and the Indonesian government continued success in your commendable pursuit of food self-sufficiency.
**Vice President gibran Rakabuming Raka:** Thank you.
