The momentum behind the Presidential Staff Office’s (KSP) farmer regeneration program continues to build, with Chief of Presidential Staff General (Ret.) TNI Moeldoko advocating for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to drive its success.
Speaking from Binagraha, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/5), Moeldoko stressed the critical need to attract the younger demographic to the agricultural sector amidst an aging farming population. He outlined the program’s objectives, aiming to cultivate a new generation of farmers proficient in various sustainable farming techniques, including permaculture, environmentally friendly practices, and innovative technology adoption such as smart farming powered by the Internet of Things (IoT).
The primary goal, according to Moeldoko, is to empower and equip young farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary to revitalize Indonesia’s agricultural industry. He envisioned a future where youth-led agricultural enterprises thrive, making farming an appealing and lucrative career choice for the next generation.
Highlighting data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), which indicates that over 70% of Indonesian farmers are aged 43 and above, with only a small fraction belonging to the Gen Z category, Moeldoko underscored the urgency of promoting youth involvement to ensure the nation’s food security.
The farmer regeneration program will engage stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, agencies, youth organizations like the scouts, state-owned enterprises, international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and local farmer associations like the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI). This collaborative effort aims to create an enabling environment that fosters the growth and development of skilled young farmers.
A recent meeting chaired by Moeldoko and attended by Dida Gardera, Deputy of Food at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization, resulted in a consensus to strengthen cooperation and leverage modern technology to drive agricultural innovation.
Dida Gardera expressed full support for KSP’s farmer regeneration initiative, affirming plans to establish a collaborative platform that consolidates efforts from all stakeholders for maximum impact. This concerted effort, she emphasized, is essential to nurturing a new generation of agricultural leaders capable of steering Indonesia towards sustainable agricultural development.
