Kartini Day: West Jakarta City Government Launches Alternative Food Crop Planting to Face Crisis

JAKARTA - To commemorate Kartini Day, the West Jakarta City Government, together with DKI Jakarta DPRD Commission A member Hilda Kusuma Dewi, held an urban farming activity to address the potential food crisis.

West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah stated that the event serves as an example of how women can empower themselves in facing food crises amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

“The engine of development is indeed women’s empowerment, the mothers. When the weather is extremely unusual as it is today, our food security needs to be more focused,” said Iin in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

The role of women in maintaining food security is seen as a foundation for Jakarta’s society to remain resilient amid crises.

Iin also highlighted the impact of the El Nino phenomenon and the current hot weather in Jakarta, which could pose a threat to food security.

“Today we are planting corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes. This is a form of substitute for rice that we must strengthen in our food security programme today. The carbohydrates are lower, so it’s safer for the mothers,” said Iin.

She added that this greening and food security movement will continue until June 2026, involving the planting of iconic West Jakarta crops, namely honeydew pumpkins and golden melons.

“After that, we will harvest together at the end of the year. Urban farming is not difficult; what matters is willingness and consistency,” she said.

“As women, we must be prepared and alert. Prepared for what? Of course, we must be alert in terms of food availability, as mothers naturally address food preparedness,” she added.

She explained that the chosen crops 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, it’s lacking. So alternative crops are quite easy, and within a period of perhaps less than three months, we can harvest them soon,” said Hilda.

According to her, urban farming also provides a concrete solution in helping women manage household economies amid rising prices of staple goods.

“By planting themselves, families can still meet their needs for healthy food while curbing expenses,” she said.

She also conveyed a message for women to be bolder in taking roles that create impact and bring change through leadership in celebrating Kartini Day.