Prabowo leads nationwide military-assisted harvest across 43 locations

President Prabowo Subianto has initiated a nationwide military-assisted harvest operation spanning 43 locations across Indonesia. The official launch took place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang, East Java, with a symbolic siren ceremony co-led by Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. This initiative marks a coordinated effort involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to support agricultural production in key sectors such as rice, sugarcane, and soybeans. The event featured speeches and ceremonial elements aimed at highlighting the collaboration between the government and the military in ensuring food security. Prabowo delivered remarks during which he formally declared the start of the nationwide harvest, emphasizing the role of divine blessing and national unity in achieving the goal. As the siren sounded, attendees responded with applause, acknowledging the significance of the moment. Key figures present included senior military officials, high-ranking ministers, and representatives from relevant government agencies. Prabowo participated in an exhibition that demonstrated how sugarcane harvested from Air Force-managed plantations is processed into various products, including sugar, bioethanol fuel, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). This display underscored the multifaceted approach taken by the military in contributing to both food production and industrial output. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the armed forces' food security program, which aims to bolster domestic agricultural capacity and reduce reliance on imports. Each branch of the military plays a distinct role in the program. The Indonesian Army focuses on supporting rice and corn farmers, working to develop paddy fields and corn plantations on military-owned land. The Navy extends its efforts to soybean cultivation, managing crops on land associated with naval bases and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Air Force is heavily engaged in sugarcane farming, particularly at Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base. Here, 800.5 hectares of sugarcane are set for harvest, with an anticipated yield of 72,045 metric tons. On a larger scale, the Air Force’s involvement spans 236,048 hectares of sugarcane plantations, projected to produce 18.38 million metric tons of sugarcane. This volume translates to roughly 1.36 million metric tons of refined sugar, representing nearly 45.05 percent of Indonesia’s total sugar production target for the year. These figures highlight the substantial contribution of the military to the nation’s agricultural output, particularly in the sugar sector. The initiative reflects a strategic alignment between the government and the military to address food security concerns and enhance economic resilience. By leveraging military resources and infrastructure, the program seeks to increase productivity in critical agricultural sectors. The participation of top military leaders and government officials underscores the importance placed on this endeavor by both civilian and uniformed authorities. The event also served as a platform for showcasing the integration of military operations with civilian agricultural activities. It emphasized the dual role of the armed forces, not only in defense but also in contributing to national development. With the harvest season underway, the focus will shift to monitoring progress, ensuring smooth implementation, and assessing the impact of these efforts on food availability and prices across the country.