Indonesian Police Chief backs President's moves to address global upheaval and achieve food self-sufficiency

Kapolri Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo affirmed his support for the President’s steps in facing global uncertainty amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. One concrete measure taken by the Police is to continue strengthening national self-reliance through food self-sufficiency.

This was conveyed by General Sigit when he led a simultaneous corn-planting drive in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra, on Saturday, 7 March 2026. General Sigit highlighted the impact of global conflicts, such as attacks on Middle East military bases, which triggered a rise in world oil prices.

‘This has caused a global constellation, particularly in the Middle East, to escalate and its effects are being felt, namely oil prices that suddenly rose from 66 USD per barrel to 77 USD per barrel. In other words, up 16 percent,’ he said at the location.

In response to the situation, General Sigit reminded again of the President’s message that Indonesia should not depend on other countries, especially as exporting nations begin to restrict food and energy stocks for their own domestic interests.

‘We recall what the President spoke about some time ago: to face a volatile global situation we must be self-reliant, we must stand on our own feet. Therefore, he has always urged food self-sufficiency and energy self-sufficiency,’ the former head of the Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency said.

According to General Sigit, the simultaneous corn-planting on 3,035.89 hectares by the Polri ranks is part of the effort to realise that self-reliance. He believes Indonesia has extraordinary natural gifts to optimise.

‘We are blessed by Allah, the Earth is truly remarkable. In Javanese, gemah ripah loh jinawi. So lands that are fertile and, as in the Koes Plus song, “wooden staff and stone become crops”. That is Indonesia’s greatness,’ he said.

He further urged that crops such as corn should not only meet the needs for livestock feed but should also be steered towards energy downstreaming as a raw material for petrol (bioethanol).

‘Going forward, we can also help support energy self-sufficiency when the downstreaming being promoted by the President extends from fossil energy to renewable energy. One example is how we manage palm oil into biodiesel, then corn as a potential source for gasoline, and other crops like cassava,’ he explained.

At the end of his remarks, the Police Chief invited all stakeholders, including gapoktan and the Himbara banks, to synergise. This is to ensure regional economies grow and Indonesia remains resilient in facing global crises en route to the Vision Indonesia Emas 2045.

In this programme, the Police Chief was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan RI) Sudaryono and Bulog RI’s President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani (retired) Lieutenant General TNI (Purn) Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani. Also present were South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, South Sumatra Police Chief Irjen Sandi Nugroho, and II/Sriwijaya Military Commander Mayjen TNI Ujang Darwis.

Wakapolri Komjen Dedi Prasetyo attended the programme virtually from Polda Metro Jaya. The Police Chief was accompanied at the scene by several top Polri officials including Kabaintelkam General Yuda Gustawan, Brimob Commander General Ramdani Hidayat, Assistant to the Chief of Human Resources General Anwar, Public Relations Division General Johnny Eddizon Isir, and Head of Internal Security for Polri Brigadier General Langgeng Purnomo.