According to Wilianto, addressing food security is crucial for realizing the vision of a prosperous Indonesia by 2045. “A robust food security system will create a healthy and strong generation, paving the way for our future aspirations,” he said.

Statistics from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reveal ongoing challenges in food security. The harvested area for rice in 2023 was recorded at 10.20 million hectares, a decrease of 255.79 thousand hectares or 2.45 percent from 2022. Rice production also dropped to 53.63 million tons of dry milled grain (GKG) in 2023, down 1.12 million tons or 2.05 percent from the previous year.

In Jakarta, the harvested area fell from 934 hectares in 2020 to 578 hectares in 2021, with rice production decreasing from 4,658 tons to 3,468 tons over the same period.

Several factors are necessary to revitalize the agricultural sector, including the introduction of superior crop varieties resilient to extreme weather, the availability of fertilizers, and enhanced agricultural extension activities to combat plant diseases and pests.

PSMTI aims to contribute ideas and suggestions to ensure the success of the food security program, particularly through the use of technology to boost agricultural production. (Uki Ruknuddin )