Bappenas States Indonesia Has Opportunity to Become Global Agricultural Development Model
Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy stated that Indonesia has the opportunity to become a global model for agricultural development. The foundations of policies and achievements in the agricultural sector are deemed sufficiently strong to support this position.
Rachmat said that strengthening the agricultural sector needs to be supported by consolidating farmers through organisations such as the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI).
“It is time for Indonesia to once again become a development model, not only in the Asia-Pacific but worldwide,” Rachmat said in Jakarta on Monday (27/4/2026).
Rachmat explained that the current agricultural achievements are the result of a long process since the early days of independence. Sustainable policies are seen as the key to the success of this sector.
He mentioned the history of agricultural development in 1952 with the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Indonesia and the construction of the IPB Baranangsiang campus.
“At that time, President Soekarno stated that food is the life and death of the Indonesian nation,” he said.
According to Rachmat, food self-sufficiency success did not happen instantly. Strategies designed from the beginning have continued across administrations.
“The self-sufficiency we experience now is not by chance, not sudden, but a strategy designed from the start by our predecessors,” he said.
Rachmat assessed that Indonesia’s position is relatively strong amid global pressures. Several countries are facing food and energy crises, while Indonesia is still able to maintain stability.
This condition is supported by policies that address farmers’ basic needs such as fertiliser, irrigation, seeds, and harvest prices.
He also emphasised the importance of balancing production and prices to maintain the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The nutritious meal programme is mentioned as a new instrument in absorbing food production and stabilising commodities. “Once there is a nutritious meal programme, the issues with eggs and chicken are resolved,” Rachmat said.
Rachmat explained that the stability of those commodities also impacts other sectors, including increased absorption of maize in the production chain.
On the other hand, he emphasised the importance of the role of research in supporting agricultural sustainability.
“Without research, do not expect us to be sustainable,” he said.
Rachmat believes that research results must be directly applicable by farmers. In this regard, HKTI is seen as playing a role as a bridge between innovation and field practices.
The agricultural sector is also projected not only to function as a food provider but also as a source of energy, fibres, and industrial raw materials. Rachmat is optimistic that with policy support and cross-sector collaboration, Indonesia can strengthen its position as a global agricultural development model.