Prabowo: If There's No Rice, Even the Military Will Struggle

President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that food security is the primary foundation for a country’s security and continuity. In his speech in Tuban Regency, East Java Province, on Saturday, 16 May 2026, the President stated that no country can survive without a secure, smooth, and sustainable food production system.

“I have studied history, I have learned about governing a nation. And what I have found is that it is impossible for a country to survive without a smooth, safe, and sustainable food production system,” said Prabowo.

Therefore, Prabowo expressed his appreciation to all parties who have been working to maintain the national food sector. Through the emotional connection formed when joining farming organisations, the Head of State directly understands the strategic role of farmers in the life of the nation.

“That is history, how I became more aware at that time of the importance of farmers and fishermen. Farmers and fishermen are producers of food for the entire nation,” he said.

The President also shared his experience when he was a commander of combat troops. From this experience, the President assessed that food is not only an economic issue but also concerns national defence.

“If we have rice, we calculate how many days it will last. If the rice supply lasts for 5 days, then we can operate for 5 days. If the rice supply lasts for 14 days, we can operate for 14 days. Imagine, if there is no rice. If there is no rice, even the military will struggle to operate,” he said.

Prabowo also recalled how farmers in villages supported the nation’s struggle during the independence war. According to the President, community support through simple food supplies became a major strength for soldiers and state officials at that time.

“When I was training in villages, the villagers came out. They gave us food and drinks, even though they were living in very difficult conditions. They had bananas, so they gave us bananas. They had cassava, so they gave us cassava. They had tiwul, so they gave us tiwul,” he said.

Furthermore, Prabowo emphasised that the success of national self-sufficiency and food security cannot be achieved without synergy from all elements of the nation. President Prabowo also expressed his appreciation to all parties who support strengthening the food sector.