PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – In a strategic move to strengthen Indonesia’s food and energy security, Pemuda Tani (Youth Farmers) and the Indonesian Association of Agricultural and Palm Oil Entrepreneurs (GAPERKASINDO) have agreed to collaborate on the development of upland rice and the acceleration of smallholder oil palm replanting. The agreement was reached during a meeting held in the TB Simatupang area, South Jakarta.
The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s policy direction, which places food sovereignty at the forefront. Upland rice is seen as a practical approach to boosting national rice production, especially in rainfed agricultural areas. At the same time, increasing crude palm oil (CPO) output through replanting is crucial to support the biodiesel program.
During the meeting, both organizations set ambitious targets: the cultivation of upland rice on 40,000 hectares and the replanting of oil palm on 8,000 hectares of smallholder land. The project will include comprehensive identification of prospective farmers and land (CPCL), along with close coordination with local agricultural departments.
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Charles Lumbantoruan, Head of Cooperation at Pemuda Tani, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Through this collaboration, we aim to fast-track rice self-sufficiency. We will identify land potential and help with administrative requirements so farmers can access government support—or alternatively, secure funding from private or banking sources,” he told Palmoilmagazine.com on Thursday (May 22, 2025).
Pemuda Tani also seeks to engage more young people in agriculture. “We want youth to see agriculture as an opportunity, not a burden. Food security depends on the involvement of the millennial generation,” Charles added.
From GAPERKASINDO’s side, Chairman Hasyari Nasution stressed the need for technical assistance and access to quality farming inputs. “We’ll develop a management model that ensures sustainable farmer profits. Innovation, especially in fertilizer and nutrient provision, must be a priority to achieve optimal yields,” he said.
Hasyari also highlighted the need for long-term solutions to recurring challenges like fertilizer shortages. According to him, innovative approaches are essential to increasing productivity without overburdening farmers.
Echoing that sentiment, Pemuda Tani Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono reaffirmed his commitment to national food security. “Food is a matter of independence and survival. Pemuda Tani will always support breakthrough initiatives that enhance food resilience. Upland rice is one of the key strategies we must promote together,” he stated. (P2)
