Mardiono: Society must unite in a turbulent global situation

Jakarta — President Prabowo’s Special Envoy for Food Security Muhamad Mardiono has called on all societal elements to unite and join hands in the face of a turbulent global situation.

During a working visit to Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo, on Tuesday (10 March), he stated that such unity was necessary to confront various potential challenges that could arise in the future.

“We must prepare ourselves as best as possible, both for the best and worst conditions,” Mardiono said.

He noted that the warning represented a message from President Prabowo Subianto concerning the global conditions that are currently considered unstable.

Mardiono stated that Bone Bolango possesses great potential for development, particularly in the agriculture, fisheries, tourism and coffee commodity sectors that characterise the region.

According to him, tourism sector development is also important as it can absorb a large amount of labour and provide sustainable economic impact for the community.

“When people visit and feel comfortable, they will return. This is what needs to be continuously strengthened so that the regional economy develops further,” he said.

He also addressed the management of natural resources, including the mining sector.

Mardiono emphasised that natural wealth must be managed by the state for the maximum prosperity of the people, in accordance with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.

Therefore, he stressed that the management of natural resources should not be controlled only by certain groups, but must be controlled by the state for the prosperity of the people and managed with community involvement.

Mardiono conducted the working visit to Bone Bolango Regency by organising cheap markets for thousands of residents, distributing agricultural seeds and fertiliser, and holding dialogue with leaders of regional government agencies, agricultural extension officers, district heads and village leaders.

The visit was part of the government’s special mission to strengthen national food security.

Through the cheap market activities and dialogue with local government, he hopes that various central government programmes, particularly in the field of food security and regional economic development, will soon provide benefits to the people of Bone Bolango.