Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Asks Regional Heads to Prioritise National Food Self-Sufficiency

Sat, 16 May 2026, 19:56 WIB | By Gana Buana | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Agriculture

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya has instructed all regional heads to prioritise the national food self-sufficiency program above local political promises. This was stated to maintain price stability and national food availability amid global geopolitical dynamics.

Bima Arya emphasised that solid synchronisation between the central government and regions is key to facing current food challenges. He asked regional governments not to sideline the national food security agenda.

“We encourage regional heads to also maximise their Regional Budgets (APBD) for food self-sufficiency programs,” said Bima Arya in a written statement in Jakarta, Saturday (16/5).

He explained that the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD), especially the allocation of Unexpected Expenditures (BTT), must be optimised to support market interventions and ensure smooth distribution of food supplies to the community.

In addition to budgetary aspects, the Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of regional leaders’ sensitivity to real conditions on the ground. Regional heads are asked to actively monitor distribution channels, supervise production chains, and regularly check commodity prices.

“Because that is where the data will be seen,” he added, emphasising the importance of validating field data to anticipate supply disruptions.

The central government continues to carry out strict monitoring through routine inflation control coordination meetings which have been running since October 2022. The Ministry of Home Affairs also implements a fiscal incentive mechanism based on ‘stick and carrot’ (rewards and evaluation) to encourage regional performance in maintaining price stability.

On this occasion, Bima Arya also expressed his appreciation to Bank Indonesia for the inflation control initiative which has successfully integrated the food system from upstream to downstream. He ensured that the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to support this movement throughout Indonesia.

“Hopefully we can jointly support this movement, and it continues in other regions. The Ministry of Home Affairs is ready to support together,” he concluded. (Ant/Z-10)

He explained that at the local level, regional heads must meet increasing public expectations and constituent demands for public services.

Wamendagri Bima Arya reaffirmed the policy of one day a week WFH for civil servants, with mandatory uniforms on Fridays. See the Ministry of Home Affairs’ response to the rejection of WFH by the Governor of South Kalimantan.

As of today, the Governor of South Kalimantan stated that he would not implement WFH.

Bima Arya encouraged the development of the Green Island Nusa Penida concept which must be integrated with the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR) so that development is structured and sustainable.

Wamendagri Bima Arya said 500 regional heads have been involved in corruption since 2005 and encourages evaluation of regional elections and digitalisation to reduce corrupt practices.

The dawn has just broken over the rice fields of Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi.

President Prabowo Subianto stated full responsibility as a mandate from the people if there is famine, while targeting rapid food self-sufficiency.

This strategic step is taken to support the target of national food security through food self-sufficiency and also improve the welfare of farming families in the area.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman said that the strengthening of national rice production and absorption was a signal that the foundation of Indonesian food self-sufficiency was getting stronger.

The Dean of FH Andalas University, Prof. Ferdi, stated that the government’s food self-sufficiency has been factually proven in the field and is supported by valid data according to FAO standards.

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