Mardiono: Public Officials Should Not Fear Pro-People Policies
GORONTALO – Muhamad Mardiono, the Presidential Special Envoy for Food Security, has called upon public officials not to fear implementing pro-people or community-oriented policies.
According to Mardiono, Indonesia’s natural wealth must be controlled by the state and utilised to the fullest extent for the prosperity of the people.
“This is a command from the constitution (UUD). We are a democracy where sovereignty rests with the people. The people must be empowered and prosperous,” said Mardiono when meeting with farmers, agricultural extension workers, village heads and regional officials in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
During the visit, Mardiono inspected the implementation of a low-cost market programme whilst distributing fertilisers, seeds and cash assistance to several farmer groups at the yard of the Bone Bolango Regency Office.
The activity, which began at approximately 1 p.m. local time, was also attended by hundreds of residents who took advantage of the low-cost market programme to obtain foodstuffs at affordable prices.
Mardiono views food security as one of the main priorities of national development. Therefore, Indonesia must not continue to be dependent on food imports.
“In 2025, we did not import rice, following the period when we were still importing,” said Mardiono.
He explained that the strengthening of the agricultural sector is also being driven through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
The programme is expected to mobilise food production managed by farmers whilst improving public welfare.
Mardiono, who also serves as Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), stated that pro-people policies often face resistance from those who have previously benefited from and controlled the nation’s economy.
According to him, this situation must be understood and monitored by the public.
Programmes for pond construction (pompanisasi) and embung development need to be implemented to prepare for the possibility of prolonged drought.
Mardiono also encouraged cooperation with universities in producing quality agricultural seeds.