Indonesian Army Creates 553 Hectares of Rice Fields in East Kutai to Strengthen Food Security

The Indonesian National Army (TNI) Army is helping the community to create and cultivate 553.41 hectares of rice fields in East Kutai Regency (Kutim), East Kalimantan, as an effort to strengthen regional food security. Commander of Kodim 0909/Kutim, Lieutenant Colonel Ragil Setyo Yulianto, stated that the people’s rice field creation programme is part of support for the central government’s policy to increase food production. “This 553.41-hectare rice field creation programme is underway as an effort to strengthen local food security,” he said in Sangatta on Wednesday. He explained that, in addition to land creation, the TNI together with relevant agencies is also providing guidance and education to farmers, including on energy efficiency and the application of sustainable agriculture. According to Ragil, strengthening the agricultural sector is important amid global energy turmoil that impacts rising fertiliser and agricultural machinery fuel prices, and has the potential to disrupt food distribution. “Food security plays an important role in maintaining regional economic stability. If the community’s basic needs are met, the impact of global turmoil can be minimised,” he said. The programme is also seen as capable of absorbing local labour and boosting village economies, while reducing logistics costs for food distribution from outside the region. The new rice field creation is carried out through collaboration between the TNI, local government, and farmers, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture. The 553.41 hectares of land are spread across two sub-districts, namely Long Mesangat and Bengalon. Ragil added that this programme does not stop at land opening, but is also accompanied by ongoing assistance to farmers so they can manage the land productively and efficiently. “Assistance is provided so that farmers can apply sustainable farming patterns and increase production yields,” he said.