Deputy Agriculture Minister Asks HKTI to Oversee Agricultural Programmes Down to Farmer Level
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono has asked the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI) to oversee agricultural programmes down to the farmer level to ensure effective implementation, on-target delivery, and improved national farmer welfare.
“HKTI has a strategic role as the frontline guard in overseeing the implementation of agricultural programmes so that they are truly felt by farmers in the field,” said Deputy Minister Sudaryono, who is also the Chairman of the National Leadership Council (DPN) of HKTI, during the 53rd HKTI Anniversary celebration at the Ministry of Agriculture Office in Jakarta on Monday.
He emphasised that HKTI is not merely an organisation but a strategic partner of the government with an important role in ensuring policies truly reach farmers.
“HKTI must be the eyes, ears, and mouthpiece of the government. Programmes must not stop on paper; they must be felt directly by farmers,” he stressed.
According to him, strengthening HKTI’s role is increasingly relevant following the organisation’s internal consolidation, which is now solid without any leadership dualism.
“Today, HKTI is united. This is a great strength to mobilise the agricultural sector from the centre to the regions,” he stated.
On the other hand, the government continues to carry out comprehensive improvements from upstream to downstream to maintain production sustainability. These steps include accelerating irrigation repairs, simplifying fertiliser distribution, and keeping paddy and maize prices profitable for farmers.
“We ensure fertiliser is available, distribution is simplified, and prices remain favourable to farmers,” he explained.
In addition, the government is also pushing for increased domestic production to reduce food import dependency. Several strategic commodities, such as eggs and chicken meat, have even achieved self-sufficiency.
“We are optimistic that domestic production will continue to increase and import dependency will be further reduced,” he said.
The Deputy Minister stated that all these efforts are ultimately aimed at strengthening farmers’ position as the main actors in national food security.
“No farmer will be left behind. This is a joint effort to ensure Indonesian agriculture becomes stronger and sovereign,” he declared.
Furthermore, Sudaryono mentioned that the Government Rice Reserves (CBP) have for the first time exceeded 5 million tonnes. Meanwhile, national rice production in 2025 will increase by 4.07 million tonnes or 13.29%.
In addition, the Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP) has risen to 125.35—the highest in the last 34 years. The agricultural sector also recorded growth of 5.74%, the highest in 25 years.
According to him, these achievements demonstrate the strengthening of the national agricultural sector, which is inseparable from the joint efforts of the government, farmers, and various stakeholders, including HKTI as the main connector in the field.
Deputy Minister Sudaryono, or familiarly known as Mas Dar, explained that these achievements are inseparable from the joint efforts between the government, farmers, and HKTI as the main connector in the field.
“This is proof of collaborative work. The government is present, farmers work, and HKTI helps oversee. The results are tangible; our food stocks are strong,” he said.