PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman on Friday (February 6, 2026) officially swore in 55 officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, comprising 54 Primary High Leadership Officials and one Senior Functional Expert. The inauguration took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Jakarta.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to a performance-based merit system while accelerating the implementation of strategic programs aimed at boosting agricultural output and strengthening Indonesia’s position as a future food exporter.
Amran said the majority of the newly appointed officials earned their positions through performance-based promotions, including the filling of echelon II posts across 33 provinces. He described the appointments as a key part of the ministry’s ongoing bureaucratic reform, aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s strong focus on agriculture and farmer welfare.
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“Today, we are appointing the best talents within the Ministry of Agriculture. This is not a reward, but the result of hard work,” Amran said. “We uphold meritocracy—free from corruption, collusion, and interference. Your evaluation is purely based on performance.”
In his address, Amran outlined a series of strategic priorities that must be closely overseen by the new officials. These include strengthening the role of field agricultural extension officers (PPL) under the coordination of the Agency for Agricultural Assembly and Modernization (BRMP), accelerating land optimization programs, expanding new rice field development, deploying food brigades, and reinforcing agricultural downstreaming.
He also stressed the importance of disciplined daily reporting on planted area expansion (Luas Tambah Tanam/LTT), which he said would continue to be evaluated rigorously.
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“Extension officers are our frontline force. Lead them, empower them, and ensure that policies, innovations, and achievements reach farmers, even in the most remote areas,” Amran said, quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the Ministry of Agriculture website, Friday (6/2).
The minister also highlighted major gains achieved by Indonesia’s agricultural sector in recent years. For the first time since independence, the country has recorded a significant leap in agricultural performance, including improved financial governance—from a qualified audit opinion (WDP) to an unqualified opinion (WTP)—along with higher production and Indonesia’s contribution to easing global rice prices.
“Indonesian farmers are contributing to global food stability. When Indonesia stopped importing rice, global prices declined. This is historic, and it is the result of our collective hard work,” he said.
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Looking ahead, Amran set more ambitious targets, including rice exports, full self-sufficiency in refined sugar without imports, and tangible implementation of agricultural downstream industries. He also warned officials to uphold integrity in distributing government assistance, ensure farm machinery is allocated accurately, and closely monitor fertilizer prices to keep them in line with government-set price ceilings.
“There must be no trading of aid, no fees of any kind. Anyone who violates this will be dismissed,” he said. “Find the farmers who need support the most, all the way to the farthest villages.”
Closing his remarks, Amran urged the newly sworn-in officials to continuously improve performance and maintain farmers’ morale nationwide.
“Let us work better than yesterday. Agriculture cannot stand alone—we must strengthen one another. This mandate is for the country, for farmers, and for the republic we love,” he concluded. (P3)
