Indonesia targets two-year sugarcane rejuvenation under Prabowo

Indonesia has set a goal to rejuvenate its sugarcane plantations nationwide within two years, according to President Prabowo Subianto. This announcement comes amid a long hiatus in such efforts, with no replanting of aging sugarcane crops over the past 12 years. During a recent harvest event held in Malang alongside the Indonesian Defense Forces, Prabowo stated that Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman had confirmed the initiative’s feasibility within a shorter timeframe than initially projected. The president highlighted that the initial plan was to cover 100,000 hectares annually, which would have taken four years to complete. However, the minister assured Prabowo that the target could be met in just two years. Prabowo expressed confidence in the government’s ability to accelerate key priorities, including securing food and energy independence. He cited the Minister of Finance’s report indicating that Indonesia’s economy remains resilient despite global uncertainties. As of November 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture reported that there were 796,621 sugarcane farmers managing 520,823 hectares of harvested land. Specific data indicated that the Indonesian Air Force supports sugarcane cultivation across 236,048 hectares, with a potential yield of 18.386 million tons of sugarcane, equivalent to 1.36 million tons of sugar. In addition, the Indonesian Navy contributed to the management of 2,432 hectares of soybean fields, while the Army assisted in cultivating 6.26 million hectares of rice fields between January and June 2026. President Prabowo commended the Indonesian military and National Police for their roles in advancing food sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, recalling instructions from the nation’s founding leaders. “We do not want to become a complacent nation,” he said. “We will show the world that Indonesia is rising with our own strength.” The government’s focus on agricultural revitalization extends beyond sugarcane. Related initiatives include leveraging cooperatives to enhance the welfare of sugarcane farmers and reviewing projects aimed at converting sugar into bioethanol to bolster energy security. These efforts reflect broader strategies to strengthen rural economies and reduce dependency on imported goods. The push for sugarcane rejuvenation aligns with national goals to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign imports. With the military playing a direct role in agricultural support, the government seeks to integrate defense capabilities with civilian needs, ensuring both food security and strategic resource control. The Ministry of Agriculture continues to monitor progress, adjusting strategies based on field reports and performance metrics. Farmers and local authorities are being engaged to ensure the success of these programs, with particular attention given to cooperative structures that facilitate resource sharing and knowledge transfer among growers. In the coming months, the government plans to expand its outreach to other sectors, including small-scale producers and regional cooperatives. Officials are working to secure additional funding and resources to meet the ambitious two-year target. They also aim to address logistical challenges, such as transportation infrastructure and storage facilities, which are critical for maintaining productivity and minimizing post-harvest losses. The rejuvenation effort is part of a larger narrative of economic transformation, emphasizing sustainability and resilience. As Indonesia moves forward, the outcomes of these initiatives will be closely watched, particularly in terms of their impact on local communities and the broader agricultural sector.