Gibran pushes government solutions to farming, fishing challenges

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Saturday instructed ministries and agencies to take concrete measures to address challenges faced by farmers and fishermen during the opening of the National Farmers and Fishermen Week (PENAS) XVII.

He issued the directive after listening to aspirations conveyed directly by several farmers and fishermen he invited onto the stage at the event, held in Gorontalo District, Gorontalo Province.

The dialogue revealed persistent obstacles affecting their livelihoods, such as irrigation networks in disrepair, harbor silting, and interrupted supplies of diesel fuel for fishing boats.

Gibran also drew attention to the urgency of providing farmers with proper rice drying and milling facilities.

“I want ministers, deputy ministers, and all aides here to immediately follow up on these matters,” he affirmed.

The vice president stressed that tackling the challenges is particularly essential considering the critical role of farmers and fishermen in advancing Indonesia’s ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency, which is among President Prabowo Subianto’s priorities.

He also warned of the impacts of souring geopolitics, trade rivalries, and tariff wars, emphasizing the need for Indonesia to strengthen self-reliance and reduce dependence on other countries for food commodities.

With that in mind, he urged greater efforts to protect farmlands from conversion and expand farmers’ access to quality seeds, financing schemes, and subsidized fertilizer.

On the same occasion, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said that policies aimed at strengthening the food sector had already produced positive results, with Indonesia recording the second-highest increase in food production after Brazil in 2025.

He added that Indonesia had achieved rice self-sufficiency, with national stocks reaching an all-time record 5.2 million tonnes.

The minister also praised farmers and fishermen across Indonesia for their contribution to the food security drive.

Meanwhile, Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail noted that around 13,000 participants from across Indonesia attended PENAS XVII, reflecting nationwide support for food security and the ambition to position the country as a global food powerhouse.

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Translator: Aditya/Prisca, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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