Bappenas Promotes National Food Transformation Programs to Achieve Food Sustainability

During the Japfa for Indonesia Emas 2045: Nurturing Collaboration in Food Security seminar, the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, emphasized the importance of food transformation in achieving sustainable national food security. In his address, he stated that food transformation is key to ensuring national food independence and creating a globally competitive system.

“The 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) will serve as the main guide for all development stakeholders in achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision. One of the primary priorities of this RPJMN is the transformation of the food system, which focuses on food independence through agricultural technology innovation, the utilization of digital technology, and the adoption of green and blue economies,” said Minister Rachmat Pambudy.

Strategic steps to strengthen national food security include improving agricultural land productivity, subsidizing fertilizers and seeds, and digitizing food data. The government is also committed to reducing imports of strategic food commodities, targeting a 20-million-ton increase in rice production during 2025-2029. Additionally, the government has designed flagship programs, such as the Best Rapid Results Program to provide free nutritious meals, including healthy school lunches, free milk for students, and nutritional aid for toddlers and pregnant women. These policies aim to improve public health while addressing the issue of stunting.

Food transformation efforts also focus on developing cooperatives and MSMEs in the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. The government is encouraging the enhancement of production cooperatives' capacity to manage priority commodities such as rice, corn, fish, and horticultural products. Synergy between small and large-scale cooperatives will strengthen the structure of the national food industry, improve distribution efficiency, and enhance global market competitiveness.

Achieving food transformation requires active participation from all parties, including the government, businesses, academics, and the general public. With a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the government remains optimistic that these food transformation initiatives will support the realization of inclusive, sustainable, and independent food security for Indonesia.

“This is not just the government's responsibility; it requires tangible contributions from all elements of society. Let us work together to build a robust, sovereign, and sustainable food system for the present and future generations,” concluded Minister Rachmat.