No country can advance without self-sufficiency: Coordinating Minister

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, widely known as Zulhas, stated that no nation can achieve progress without food self-sufficiency. He described food independence as a matter of national honor and sovereignty, directly impacting the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, and livestock breeders who constitute the backbone of the national food supply chain. These remarks were made during the launch of the book "Indonesian Food: From a Healthy Plate to Superior Human Resources," held on September 4, 2026, in Jakarta.

The minister highlighted that the concept of food security extends far beyond simple product availability in markets. It is a complex issue touching upon the civilizational path and the future of the nation. According to Zulhas, it is vital for the public to understand that food is not merely about consumption on a plate, but a critical factor defining the long-term resilience and sustainability of the state.

In August 2026, President Prabowo Subianto confirmed that Indonesia had achieved self-sufficiency in eight key commodities: rice, corn, sugar for domestic use, chicken meat, chicken eggs, shallots, and various chilies. In the coming years, the government intends to extend this status to garlic, beef, and buffalo meat. The administration continues to actively support producers, recognizing the economic volatility faced by various industry stakeholders.

Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows positive trends in the sector: the Farmers' Terms of Trade (NTP) index rose to 129.19 in August 2026, while the Fishermen Terms of Trade (NTN) reached 109.04. Despite this, the minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly for fishermen, who suffer from limited bargaining power when selling perishable catches. To address this, the government is expanding the "Red and White Fishermen's Villages" (KNMP) program, aiming to establish 1,386 such villages by the end of December 2026.

Co-author and Presidential Special Assistant Dirgayuza Setiawan noted that the book was inspired by the speeches of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, regarding food sovereignty. The core philosophy is a mathematical approach to nutrition: consumption levels must be strictly aligned with domestic production capacities. Minister Zulhas expressed his hope that this work will help the public better grasp the inextricable link between food independence and the nation's economic stability.