Bogor, West Jawa (WNAM MONITORING): President Prabowo Subianto said food and energy self-sufficiency are central to Indonesia’s national transformation toward independence, prosperity, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, West Java, on Monday, Prabowo emphasized that national development aims to improve citizens’ quality of life, not just achieve high-income status.
“We are not dreaming of becoming a high-income country, nor living like Norway or Canada. We want all our people to live well—with sufficient, healthy food, guaranteed healthcare, proper education, and adequate income,” he said.
He said the nation’s transformation, guided by the eight Astacita missions, 17 priority programs, and rapid-results initiatives, rests on two main pillars: food and energy self-sufficiency.
“Food self-sufficiency is essential for national independence and prosperity. If we want freedom and wellbeing, we must ensure sufficient food production for all. It is a fundamental pillar of our strategy,” Prabowo added.
On energy, Prabowo said independence in this sector is critical to sustaining development. The government continues optimizing national resources to reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
“Energy self-sufficiency is a must! Some may ask if it’s possible. It is! We have calculated it, and our potential is extraordinary,” the president said.
He explained that self-sufficiency in food and energy is also key to restructuring the national economy, including reversing the flow of money concentrated in big cities or leaving the country.
“Only after achieving energy and food self-sufficiency can we redirect the flow of money, which currently goes from villages to cities, to the capital, or abroad. We must reverse it, among other initiatives, through free nutritious meals. Children must eat enough,” he said.
