West Java Governor Urges Farmers to Adopt New Methods to Boost Soybean Self-Sufficiency

The Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, attended a soybean planting event on 210 hectares of land as part of the initiative to support soybean self-sufficiency by 2026. The activity took place on the Land Cultivation Right (HGU) area of PT PG Rajawali II, in Sukamulya Village, Tukdana District, Indramayu Regency, on Wednesday (10/06/2026).

In his address, Dedi Mulyadi, commonly known as KDM, expressed his hope that the soybean planting on the 210-hectare plot would yield the best possible harvest. “Hopefully, the soybeans will flourish, the irrigation will be sufficient, and the results will satisfy all parties, leading to increased soybean productivity,” said KHM.

KDM urged farmers in West Java to abandon incorrect planting habits, such as harvesting while the plants are still green, and the practice of continuous planting throughout the year without breaks. “Rice planting currently never stops because of abundant rainfall; it can be planted three or even four times a year without a break. The impact is a decline in soil fertility, with pH levels dropping below 4,” KDM noted.

KDM proposed that farmers implement intercropping techniques to maintain soil fertility levels. “Through the Department of Agriculture, planting soybeans and legumes once a year must be carried out to maintain soil fertility, because without it, the soil becomes very heavy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Special Envoy to the President for Climate and Energy, Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo, stated that Indonesia is one of the major importers of soybeans from Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. These imports must be paid for in US Dollars.

By targeting self-sufficiency, Indonesia will no longer be dependent on soybean imports. This condition would allow the Indonesian people to enjoy tofu and tempeh at more affordable prices.

President Prabowo aims for soybean planting in Indonesia to reach one million hectares to achieve self-sufficiency within the next two to three years. To realise this target, the government will distribute high-quality seeds to all Indonesian farmers.

At the same location, the Advisor to the Bareng Bareng Sugih (BBS) Cooperative, Mulyadi, added that the soybean planting programme is a strategic step to encourage food independence and improve farmer welfare. He expressed his hope that Indramayu Regency would become one of the nation’s food granaries.