Indonesia seeks Australia's help for food self-sufficiency

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, emphasized the importance of Australia’s expertise in bringing best practices and the latest technologies to achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency in Indonesia.

"This collaboration will bring best practices and the latest technology from Australia to Indonesia. We are committed to utilizing all resources to achieve food self-sufficiency," he stated in a statement from his office on Thursday.

On Wednesday (September 25), Sudaryono met with Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams to discuss this matter.

Sudaryono highlighted the significance of intensifying and expanding agricultural land as part of the food self-sufficiency strategy.

With more than two million hectares of swamp land in Indonesia, Sudaryono sought support from Australia on swamp land optimization.

Moreover, he pointed out that Australia has a strategic role in cooperating with Indonesia, given its commitment to supporting programs aimed at improving food security and nutrition in the country.

"Australia is a strategic country for Indonesia in terms of the function, role, and geographical location. This support would help the two countries have a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector," he said.

Ambassador William said that Australia would support Indonesia in developing agricultural land, especially swamp land.

"Agriculture is an important basis for the relationship between Australia and Indonesia. We want to continue to work together on this priority in the coming years," she stated, as quoted in the statement.

Australia would provide support in terms of agricultural technology, training, and research to ensure the success of the rice field program, especially on swamp land, which is being intensively carried out by Indonesia.

“We have a strong research collaboration, and we are committed to enhancing this relationship through research focused on food security, climate change, and its impact on agriculture,” she emphasized.

Apart from food production, this collaboration will also focus on providing free nutritious meals proposed by President-elect Prabowo Subianto.

“We will also collaborate to provide nutritious food, especially for pregnant women,” she said.