Lemhannas RI Supports the Nutritious Eating Policy Through Food Self-Sufficiency

The government has launched a priority program to achieve food self-sufficiency and turn Indonesia into a global food barn in line with the second point of Asta Cita, aimed at realizing food security. However, the aspiration faces obstacles in terms of food availability, which, alongside the population explosion, has become a highly crucial global issue. Food productivity must be taken seriously since current production cannot meet demand.

Highlighting this matter, Lemhannas RI held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Food Security: Toward Self-Sufficiency and a Global Food Barn” on Tuesday (12/3) at the Kresna Room, Astagatra Building, Lemhannas RI.

In opening the event, Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI Lieutenant General TNI Eko Margiyono stated that food and energy security are strategic issues in efforts to achieve national self-reliance. “Continually growing needs due to population growth present complex challenges to ensure sufficient, safe, and nutritious food access,” said the Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI. The challenges have also intensified, influenced by climate change and global geopolitical uncertainties that disrupt the stability of supply and commodity prices.

In addition, the situation has worsened due to difficulties in land preparation, often hindered by issues of access, ownership, and land conditions not aligning with the program’s needs. The low ratio of agricultural equipment compared to Indonesia’s vast territory also complicates efficient land management. “Therefore, support through spatial planning that ensures the allocation of agricultural land in regional spatial plans is a critical step in maintaining this balance,” said the Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI.

To overcome the various challenges at hand, Lemhannas RI is committed to providing holistic and applicable policy recommendations to the President through its role in developing national resilience policies.

Serving as speakers at the event were Director of PT Datu Nusra Agrobisnis (DNA) Dean Novel, Special Staff to the Army Chief of Staff Brigadier General TNI Wirana Prasetya Budi, SE., President Director of Bank DKI Agus Haryoto Widodo, Operations Director of PT Multi Andalan Sejati Muhammad Angga Rifandi Pane, President Director of PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya Karyawan Gunarso, and Agricultural Analyst Khudori.

The presence of speakers from diverse backgrounds is expected to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and produce policy recommendations as references for decision-makers, thereby expediting the realization of national food self-sufficiency and a strong, sustainable global food barn.

In a separate occasion, Governor of Lemhannas RI Dr. H. TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily, M.Si. stated that food self-sufficiency to achieve food security is a policy aimed at enhancing human resource quality. This aspiration can be realized through a nutritious eating policy. “This policy is indeed very positive in ensuring that the quality of Indonesian human resources meets nutritional requirements,” said the Governor of Lemhannas RI.

Recognizing Indonesia’s diversity stretching from Sabang to Merauke, the Governor of Lemhannas RI believes that the implementation of a free lunch program will have different characteristics in each region. Hence, Lemhannas RI will observe the implementation of this program in various areas, including all parties involved. Afterwards, Lemhannas RI will provide specific input to the President of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the effectiveness and the policies on nutritious eating.

This step reflects Lemhannas RI’s support through its main duties and functions in realizing Asta Cita, which is a shared goal. (NA/CHP)