Airlangga and OJK Commend Central Java on Dual Achievements

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Economic Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) jointly praised Central Java. The two achievements by Governor Ahmad Luthfi that earned their praise were the food self-sufficiency strategy and achieving economic growth above the national average.

OJK Commissioner Chairperson Frederica Widyasari Dewi noted that Governor Ahmad Luthfi’s food self-sufficiency programme was based on mapping the province’s potential. This was no easy feat, requiring first a comprehensive assessment of regional resources and then developing a programme to capitalise on them.

“Luthfi’s rice and maize programme supports national food security,” Frederica said on Monday (25 May 2026).

Rice production in Central Java up to April 2026 showed positive performance. In Q1 2026, output reached 4,696,422 tonnes, or about 44.48% of the annual target of 10.5 million tonnes. The province is also among Indonesia’s top rice producers, supporting national food supplies.

The success of the food self-sufficiency programme has indirectly boosted regional economic growth, which in turn impacts national growth. The goal is to transform Indonesia into a high-income developed nation by 2045.

Central Java’s Q1 2026 economic growth of 5.89% surpassed the national average of 5.61%. Frederica added that Governor Luthfi’s strategy reflects a commitment to advancing the region according to its potential. The OJK is also encouraging the financial services sector to support local initiatives.

Economic Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto praised Central Java for outperforming the national growth rate. “If regional growth falls below the national average, it becomes a drag,” he said.

Governor Ahmad Luthfi was invited by the OJK as a speaker at the National Conference on Regional Economic Development under the theme “Accelerating Regional Economic Growth through Cross-Sector Policy Synergy”.

During his presentation, Governor Luthfi stated that achieving food self-sufficiency in 2026 requires more effort than in 2025 due to last year’s prolonged rainy season and this year’s predicted extended drought.

To address this, he has instructed provincial agencies to ensure water availability for agriculture. The second step is preparing millennial farmers through training via the Empowered Subdistrict Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.

He also outlined the provincial government’s efforts to elevate MSMEs through training, financing, and sales support. The event was attended by Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Deputy Finance Minister Juda Agung, House of Representatives’ Commission II Chair Mukhamad Misbakhun, and various regional leaders.