Ibas Highlights Farmer Welfare and Opportunities in the Nutritious Free Meal Supply Chain

Thu, 26 Feb 2026, 23:24 WIB | By Putri Yuliani | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Agriculture

Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI and Chairman of the Democratic Party faction in the DPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (EBY), began a series of Ramadan 2026 working visits in Ngawi Regency. The working visit began with a strategic dialogue with farmers and agricultural extension workers on Thursday, February 26. In the forum entitled ‘Strong Farmers, Food Sovereignty, Happy People’, Ibas emphasized the importance of stabilizing the Farmer’s Terms of Trade (NTP) amidst increasing national production.

Ibas explained that national rice production in 2025 has reached 34-35 million tons, an increase of 10 percent from the previous year. However, he noted that major challenges still loom because the national NTP is still fluctuating at 110-120.

“A strong nation is a nation that is able to feed its own people. One in three Indonesian workers is in the agricultural sector, this is the backbone of the nation. However, the welfare of farmers has not been fully stable, this is our common challenge,” said Ibas in a statement on Thursday, February 26.

This member of Commission VI of the DPR RI highlighted the great opportunities for local farmers through the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. According to him, the projected need for rice and food commodities for tens of millions of beneficiaries must be met from the produce of local villages.

“This is a golden opportunity for farmers in Ngawi. Local rice, vegetables, eggs, and even meat can enter the school supply chain. With a guaranteed market, prices at the farmer level will be much more stable,” he explained.

In the dialogue session, Ibas received direct complaints from Wahdiono, Chairman of HKTI Ngawi, regarding the decline in the price of unhusked rice during the harvest season. In addition, farmers in coastal areas expressed an urgent need for drying machines to maintain the quality of unhusked rice so that it is not damaged due to high water content.

In response to this, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to encouraging policies that are appropriate for specific local conditions. He ensured that aspirations for assistance with agricultural tools, such as dryers and other agricultural machinery, would continue to be pursued at the central level.

“We must not let farmers who have worked hard actually suffer losses during the harvest. Needs such as rice dryers must be a concern so that quality is maintained and economic value increases. The government must be present to maintain price stability,” said Ibas.

Ibas also invited young people not to hesitate to get involved in the agricultural sector by utilizing digital technology or smart farming. He believes that the use of drones, soil sensors, and online marketing is the key to transforming farmers into agri-entrepreneurs.

Several local officials, representatives of related departments, and members of the Ngawi Regency DPRD from the Democratic faction were present at the event. Ibas closed the dialogue by symbolically handing over a number of agricultural machinery assistance, ranging from water pumps, tractors, to plant vitamins for the productivity of East Java’s food barns. (E-4)

Ibas also emphasized the importance of access to inclusive education. He ensured that the Democratic Party faction would continue to fight for scholarships.

Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), conducted a working visit to Pacitan Regency, East Java, to review the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance (BSPS) program.

Ibas said the dialogue was important because it opened doors and made all parties understand each other. However, dialogue alone is not enough.

Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, reviewed the Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Provision Program, which has been operating for four years.

This was conveyed by Ibas during a visit to PT INKA in Madiun, East Java.

Political observer Ray Rangkuti assessed that the DPR’s move to re-tweak the recess budget showed that there was no deep reflection after the events of August 27-30.

Secretary of Commission IV of the East Nusa Tenggara DPRD, Ana Waha Kolin, held a recess in a number of locations in Lewoleba City, Lembata Regency on Monday, March 17.

Travel expenses are one of the budget items that Prabowo ordered to be streamlined.

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