Legislator Calls for Accurate Narratives on Food Self-Sufficiency

DPR Commission IV Vice Chairman Abdul Kharis Almasyhari has called for caution regarding narratives on food self-sufficiency to prevent distortion of government, farmer, and stakeholder efforts to bolster national food security. ‘As agricultural indicators show improvement, we must be cautious of efforts to shape public opinion as if food self-sufficiency is unattainable,’ Kharis said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday. He highlighted narratives that could distort the government’s efforts, alongside farmers and stakeholders, to achieve national food self-sufficiency. Kharis noted that differing views and policy criticism are part of democracy, but such critiques should be based on data and facts, not perceptions that undermine public confidence in the nation’s ability to meet its own food needs. As Vice Chairman of the DPR’s Commission IV, overseeing agriculture, environment, forestry, and marine affairs, Kharis stressed that food self-sufficiency is not merely an agricultural target but a national strategic agenda directly tied to national security, economic stability, and public welfare. He added that food security is not just about meeting production targets but about sovereignty. A nation capable of meeting its own food needs will have greater resilience against global pressures, economic volatility, and geopolitical uncertainties. He stated that challenges such as climate change, extreme weather, and global economic dynamics must be anticipated, but these should not be used to question Indonesian farmers’ ability to bolster domestic food production.