Jakarta West City Government and DPRD Encourage Women to Better Prepare for Food Security

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta West City Government, together with members of the DPRD DKI Jakarta Commission A, Hilda Kusuma Dewi, encouraged women’s roles in addressing potential food crises through urban farming activities on Tuesday, as part of commemorating Kartini Day.

According to Hilda, women’s involvement in maintaining family food security is crucial, especially amid threats of crisis due to uncertain economic conditions and prolonged dry seasons.

“We as women must be prepared and alert. Prepared for what? Of course, we must be alert in terms of food availability, especially for mothers in responding to food readiness,” said Hilda at the location on Tuesday.

She conveyed that her side, along with the Jakarta West City Government and several community members, planted various alternative food commodities such as cassava, sweet potatoes, corn, honeydew squash, as well as vegetables like water spinach and choy sum.

The selected plants are types that are easy to cultivate in urban areas and have a relatively short harvest period, namely less than three months.

“In Jakarta, the soil fertility for planting rice is quite difficult, isn’t it? It’s lacking. So, these substitute plants are quite easy and within a period of perhaps less than three months, we can harvest them immediately,” Hilda explained.

According to her, urban farming also serves as a concrete solution in helping women manage household economies amid rising prices of basic necessities.

“By planting ourselves, families can still meet healthy food needs while curbing expenses,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Jakarta West, Iin Mutmainnah, stated that women today have broad opportunities to contribute as leaders in various sectors.

“Women are multi-talented. In our state system, we know the terms Ibu Kota and Ibu Pertiwi, which indicate that women are the foundation,” said Iin.

However, she emphasised the importance of family support in underpinning such success.

“However, the support from great men around us, whether husbands, fathers, or children, is very crucial for women’s progress,” she continued.