Building food self-sufficiency with 'three-network' collaboration

State logistics agency Bulog has expanded its rice procurement efforts in South Papua as part of a broader strategy to enhance Indonesia’s food security. According to President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, this initiative aims to stabilize rice supplies, ensure fair pricing for farmers, and support increased production in the region. Speaking on Sunday, Ramdhani emphasized that rising production levels must be accompanied by guaranteed procurement mechanisms to give farmers confidence in the market and secure their livelihoods. This effort aligns with the government’s Simultaneous Rice Planting Movement in Merauke, designed to increase national rice output and promote long-term food self-sufficiency.

The expansion of rice procurement involves close coordination between Bulog, the Ministry of Agriculture, regional governments, the Indonesian military, and the National Police. These partnerships aim to maximize rice acquisition while bolstering government reserves and improving the welfare of farmers who play a crucial role in the food supply chain. Ramdhani noted that such collaboration is expected to position South Papua as a vital component of Indonesia’s long-term food security strategy. With modern technology, improved infrastructure, and increased productivity, Merauke is projected to become one of the country’s leading food production hubs.

Across Papua, the government has developed 83,030 hectares of new rice fields and optimized 54,399 hectares of existing agricultural land. South Papua contributes significantly to this progress, with 48,934 hectares dedicated to rice cultivation and 53,499 hectares of optimized land. The province has nearly 100,000 hectares designated for food production, reflecting its growing importance in national agricultural planning. To further accelerate development, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated approximately Rp1.3 trillion (around $72.8 million) for the program in 2026. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the region into a key player in Indonesia’s food production landscape.

The focus on food security extends beyond rice procurement and agricultural development. At the recent 17th National Farmers and Fishermen Week (PENAS XVII) 2026, held in Gorontalo District, leaders highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to achieving food self-sufficiency. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka opened the event, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate, safe, and affordable food. President Director of Bulog, Ahmad Rizal, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting sustainable food self-sufficiency through both downstream distribution and upstream procurement initiatives. He stressed that the success of these efforts depends on collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private entities, and research institutions.

Achieving food self-sufficiency faces numerous challenges, including climate change, global economic fluctuations, changing consumer habits, and an aging agricultural workforce. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted strategy involving three key networks: knowledge, institutional, and financial. Knowledge networks form the foundation of transformation by fostering open dialogue and integrating diverse perspectives. Institutional networks bring together various sectors—governments, businesses, academia, and civil society—to create cohesive strategies. Financial networks ensure that necessary investments are made to sustain long-term goals. By linking these elements, Indonesia aims to develop a resilient and adaptable food system that meets current and future demands.

In parallel, the government has set ambitious targets to tackle waste management issues. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced plans to eliminate open dumping practices by 2028. This initiative includes the development of waste-to-energy power plants using incineration technology, particularly in Bali. Hasan outlined a phased approach, aiming to achieve 50% reduction in open dumping by 2027 and complete the transition by 2028. Over the past decade, only two waste management permits were issued, with just one project operational. However, regulatory reforms under the current administration have enabled around 70 cities to begin implementing waste management systems. These changes include revising outdated regulations to facilitate programs such as carbon trading, which previously faced significant hurdles.

Climate change poses a direct threat to food security, according to Hasan, as it affects weather patterns, environmental conditions, and production cycles. Mitigating these impacts is seen as essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic stability and national sovereignty. Despite these priorities, funding for climate-related actions remains limited, accounting for only 3.5% of the annual state budget, with less than 1% directed toward forest restoration. Hasan urged continued stakeholder engagement and transparency in executing these initiatives, stressing that achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing waste will require collective commitment and integrity. As Indonesia moves forward, the interplay between agricultural development, waste management, and climate resilience will shape the nation’s path toward a more sustainable future.