Coordinating Minister Zulhas Urges 20 Youth Organisations to Help Safeguard Food Security

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has urged the younger generation to strengthen unity. He also invited young people to play an active role in safeguarding food security amid global dynamics. This invitation was conveyed during a halalbihalal gathering with 20 youth organisations, students, pupils, and interfaith groups at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs office in Jakarta on 7 April. Zulkifli Hasan emphasised that the government is continuously enhancing preparedness to face global challenges, particularly in the food sector, which is affected by geopolitical turmoil, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. “In 2026, insyaallah, our rice availability will be secure,” he stated. He added that the acceleration of strategic programmes is being pursued, including food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency, and downstreaming. “We are pushing for acceleration in strategic sectors, including food, so that targets originally planned for the medium term can be achieved more quickly,” he continued. Zulkifli Hasan also encouraged youth to contribute through ideas, innovations, and concrete actions. The organisations present included Pemuda Muhammadiyah, HMI, IMM, PMII, IPM, IPNU, Ikatan Pelajar Al Washliyah, KAMMI, FoSSEI, BEM Seluruh Indonesia, KMHDI, GMKI, PMKRI, BEM PTNU, BEM PTMA, PII, HIMA Persis, Amanat Research Institute, Hikmahbudhi, and Forum OSIS Nasional. “If the youth are strong, their unity is strong, and their food security is strong, then Indonesia’s future will also be strong,” he asserted. This meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration between the government and the younger generation in safeguarding food security and national unity.