Imagine growing all your own vegetables, raising your own chickens, and then still choosing to order food online every day. That is kind of what Indonesia’s food system looks like right now.
We have the manpower and the land, but it’s disheartening that the Indonesian government keeps importing agricultural products that can be produced locally. Rural areas remain the backbone of Indonesia’s agricultural production.
The results of the 2018 Inter-Census Agricultural Survey (SUTAS) show that the number of farming households reached 28 million households, most of whom live in rural areas (BPS, 2018).
However, many rural communities face significant challenges to sustain their agricultural practices. While the issue of food security affects the broader Indonesian population, rural areas, in particular, struggle with limited resources, insufficient support, and a growing reliance on imported goods.
Not just from the governmental demand but also locals and private businesses. This growing dependence on imports has made food security a top national concern, pushing it higher on Indonesia’s development agenda, as it is mentioned as one of the 17 Development Directions in National Long Term Development Plan (RPJPN 2025 – 20245) (IE16).
The Sustainable Integrated Farming Program
In response to this pressing issue, The Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration launched a program named Sustainable Integrated Farming Program in 2021.
This initiative is a concrete measure of Indonesia’s government to further support the rural economy.
This program aims to foster rural economic development by combining various agricultural sector such as farming, livestock keeping, fishery, and other relevant commodities.
As the name of the program implies, it also promotes sustainable practices by implementing a zero waste concept. In theory, all agricultural waste is managed and turned into biogas and fertilizer, minimizing the use of chemicals that might harmful to the environment.
As a starting point, the ministry appointed seven Joint Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDESMa) as a pilot project for this program. These seven village-owned enterprises are spread across the island of Java, located in Bandung, Cirebon, Kebumen, Nganjuk, Jombang, Lumajang, and Kudus.
They are deemed to have potential and will be directed to be centers for providing livestock products, poultry, and horticulture centers. They will receive financial supports, training, and mentoring from the relevant ministry and third parties.
Since it is a “Joint Village Owned-Enterprises”, each enterprises is managed by 5 (five) to 10 (ten) villages on average. The number of village that participates is also important because it will affect their product distribution and marketing.
The minister states that the main focus for now is to fulfill local markets so they have a definite market share. For example, if the BUMDESMa is established by 10 villages, the market will immediately start from those 10 villages.
But this program is not just about growing rice, herding cattles, watering the plants and calling it a day. Its about making sure farmers actually getting paid. Its bigger goal is to pull Indonesia away from throwing more cash at imports, and make villages and rural area the main pillar for national food security.
Oh wow, look at that! the government actually launched a program that makes sense!
If done right, this program won’t just help the villages sustain themselves but also turning them into a key player in the agricultural market. Furthermore, the government will have no need to scramble for imported beef for Eid’s rendang and milk for Christmas rolls.
Potential Challenges Ahead
Of course, it is not all sunshine and rainbows, turning villages into a thriving agricultural hub is not exactly like turning the palm of your hands.
Introducing and promoting the program is a great first step, but the real challenge lies in ensuring its successful implementation and longterm sustainability. Running a program like this comes with some inevitable headaches.
These issues could potentially stem from improper management, marketing issues, and don’t forget the classic bureaucratic inefficiencies. If this problem are properly addressed, this program could really be a game changer.
In 2023, the writer has the opportunity to speak with one of the BUMDESMa directors who is part of this program.
We still could not maximize the local community’s purchasing powers.
In addition, he also raises concerns about commodity quality. For example, of 400 individuals of chicken, only 100 can produce eggs of satisfying quality. It’s not even a third of the whole population. Luckily, they discover that their vegetable product is more promising.
So after hyping it up a little, they actually got the locals to start buying seedlings from them. The trick is collaborating with Karang Taruna and throwing in a sweet deal. If they grab a certain amount of seedlings, they will get free guided support from planting to harvest. This seems like a win-win for all, and sure it is a decent temporary solution.
However, we must acknowledge that this program focuses on meeting the demands for animal-based products. Biogas is supposed to be the other star of the show, the poster child of the zero waste initiative in this program.
But in reality, it is barely making it out of the gate. It’s not getting to where it needs to be due to improper tools and facilities. The director states that their biogas has proven to be successful in lighting their stove, it’s cool but it has not reached its full potential.
It’s like using a race car just for grocery shopping. The real goal is to turn it into a renewable and reliable energy alternative for the whole area. But at this rate there is still a long way to go. Understandably, it is going to be a step-by-step process.
But again, regular, structured, and consistent mentoring and supervision must be continuously carried out to guarantee this program runs effectively. As a potential solution, this program could be integrated with the Program Makan Bergizi Gratis (Free Nutritious Meal Program) by serving as the main supplier of fresh ingredients for nearby schools.
This would not only tackle the issue of market demand for village farmers but also ensure that school children receive locally sourced, high-quality food.
Potential Challenges Ahead
By directly linking village-owned agricultural enterprises (BUMDESMa) with the government’s free meal program, the supply chain would become more localized and sustainable.
So far, the pilot projects have demonstrated sustainable integrated farming at the village level and its serious potential. However, challenges still stand in the way. Without proper research, infrastructure, and management, this program might not reach its full impact. But if we play our cards right, this program can be scaled up nationwide.
As a result, this initiative could significantly reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imported agricultural products. Even better, it could put Indonesia on the map as a leader in sustainable rural development. A fresh wind indeed and a new hope to reclaim Indonesia’s long-held title as an “Agricultural Nation”. A title that, while still recognized, is becoming increasingly questionable as farmland shrinks and reliance on imports grows.
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