Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs Urges Young Generation to Understand Land's Strategic Role in National Development
Malang — Before hundreds of students at SMA Taruna Nusantara's Malang Campus, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Deputy Head of the National Land Agency (Wamen ATR/Waka BPN), Ossy Dermawan, delivered a strong message about the crucial role of land in national development on Saturday (03/05/2025). He emphasised that land is not merely ground to stand on, but a strategic resource that determines the nation's future, particularly in the context of food security and state sovereignty.
The event formed part of the National Figure Meeting series, regularly held to cultivate national awareness and leadership among the cadets. During the session, Ossy conveyed the urgency of land literacy from an early age for the young generation, especially those who will become future leaders.
According to Ossy, future challenges no longer revolve solely around mastery of technology, but also the fair and sustainable management of resources. "Land is a strategic asset that must be safeguarded and managed wisely. If not, we will face a crisis — not only economic, but also social and environmental," he stated.
He urged the cadets to understand from an early age that land management is directly linked to the basic needs of society, from food and housing to adequate living space.
In his presentation, the Deputy Minister highlighted the increasingly pressing issue of food security. He argued that building food sovereignty is impossible without certainty over the control and utilisation of agricultural land.
"If land is not properly recorded or is controlled unevenly, farmers will lose access. Then we cannot expect much from the agricultural sector," Ossy explained.
This statement aligns with the government's national programme currently focused on asset legalisation and land redistribution as part of agrarian reform.
Ossy also encouraged elite schools such as SMA Taruna Nusantara to emphasise not only discipline and the sciences, but also agrarian awareness and the fair management of living spaces. He expressed hope that the young generation could become pioneers in building a land governance system that better serves the people.
"As future leaders of the nation, you must understand that land is not merely data on a certificate. Land is part of our identity, welfare, and national sovereignty," he said.
The event formed part of the National Figure Meeting series, regularly held to cultivate national awareness and leadership among the cadets. During the session, Ossy conveyed the urgency of land literacy from an early age for the young generation, especially those who will become future leaders.
According to Ossy, future challenges no longer revolve solely around mastery of technology, but also the fair and sustainable management of resources. "Land is a strategic asset that must be safeguarded and managed wisely. If not, we will face a crisis — not only economic, but also social and environmental," he stated.
He urged the cadets to understand from an early age that land management is directly linked to the basic needs of society, from food and housing to adequate living space.
In his presentation, the Deputy Minister highlighted the increasingly pressing issue of food security. He argued that building food sovereignty is impossible without certainty over the control and utilisation of agricultural land.
"If land is not properly recorded or is controlled unevenly, farmers will lose access. Then we cannot expect much from the agricultural sector," Ossy explained.
This statement aligns with the government's national programme currently focused on asset legalisation and land redistribution as part of agrarian reform.
Ossy also encouraged elite schools such as SMA Taruna Nusantara to emphasise not only discipline and the sciences, but also agrarian awareness and the fair management of living spaces. He expressed hope that the young generation could become pioneers in building a land governance system that better serves the people.
"As future leaders of the nation, you must understand that land is not merely data on a certificate. Land is part of our identity, welfare, and national sovereignty," he said.