 |
| West Kalimantan Targets Rice Self-Sufficiency, Local Harvest Signals Strong Food Security Push. |
The West Kalimantan Provincial Government is stepping up its commitment to food independence, with a clear goal of meeting local rice demand through regional production. The message is simple but powerful: West Kalimantan aims to stand on its own without relying on rice supplies from outside the province.
This commitment was highlighted during a rice harvest event attended by West Kalimantan Vice Governor Krisantus Kurniawan in Mempawah Regency, Anjungan District, Anjungan Melancar Village, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
The harvest was part of a nationwide simultaneous rice harvest, which was also officially launched by the President of the Republic of Indonesia in West Java.
Speaking at the national event, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of national self-reliance, especially in food production.
“In the name of God, on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, I, Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, officially announce that Indonesia achieved national food self-sufficiency in 2025,” the President stated.
According to President Prabowo, food self-sufficiency reflects the strength of the nation. By the end of 2025, Indonesia had secured more than 3 million tons of rice reserves stored in government warehouses. These reserves serve as concrete proof that Indonesia is capable of sustaining itself and building a strong national food system.
Mempawah Seen as a Key Rice Production Hub
Vice Governor Krisantus Kurniawan expressed gratitude for the successful harvest and noted that Mempawah Regency holds significant agricultural potential, particularly due to its vast rice field areas.
“I had a discussion with the Regent earlier, and it’s clear that Mempawah has extensive rice fields. This is a major asset for achieving food self-sufficiency in West Kalimantan,” he explained.
He added that the provincial government, alongside the Governor of West Kalimantan, has high hopes that the province will soon be able to fully meet its own rice needs.
“Our goal is for West Kalimantan to produce enough rice independently to supply our own population. This is a shared target of the provincial government,” Krisantus said.
Government Rice Price Policy Benefits Farmers
Krisantus also welcomed the central government’s decision to set official rice purchase prices, noting that the policy provides economic security for farmers and makes agriculture a more sustainable livelihood.
“Thank God, rice prices are now regulated by the government. This gives farmers certainty. If fields are managed well and farmers can harvest up to four times a year, the economic value will be very significant,” he said.
The former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives also urged district and city governments across West Kalimantan to continue strengthening the agricultural sector, focusing not only on increasing production but also on improving farmer welfare to achieve long-term food sovereignty.
Mempawah Regency Confident in Sustaining Food Independence
At the same event, Mempawah Regent Erlina reaffirmed that agriculture remains the leading sector supporting local food security. She emphasized that Indonesia’s national food self-sufficiency proves local farmers can thrive when supported by strong policies, proper guidance, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Mempawah Regency Government, she said, will continue to support strategic programs from the Ministry of Agriculture by strengthening agricultural extension services, boosting productivity, and increasing the added value of agricultural products. These efforts will focus on sustainable farming practices that combine modern technology with local wisdom.
“We are optimistic that this achievement can be maintained. We are confident that food self-sufficiency in Mempawah Regency can be sustained to improve farmer welfare,” Erlina concluded.
Ongoing Programs to Achieve Rice Surplus
Currently, the West Kalimantan Provincial Government is intensifying its food self-sufficiency efforts through various strategic programs. These include land optimization initiatives, simultaneous rice planting movements, and irrigation infrastructure support from the Kalimantan I River Basin Authority.
With these programs in place, West Kalimantan is targeting a rice surplus and stronger readiness of arable land, reinforcing its ambition to become a food-secure and self-reliant province in the years ahead.
Berita Terkini, Eksklusif di WhatsApp Borneotribun.com
