TNI AD Rapim, President Prabowo Emphasizes Food Security and Farmer Welfare

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – President Prabowo Subianto, who presented awards virtually at the Army Leadership Meeting, emphasized the importance of food security. The Army was asked to help ensure that this food security benefits all parties.

"We all have a responsibility. Food security is very important for us," President Prabowo Subianto said via teleconference, Monday (3/2/2025).

In his directive, Prabowo also discussed the importance of purchasing rice that benefits farmers, entrepreneurs, and the community proportionally. He stated that in the process of achieving food security, the welfare of farmers must be maintained.

On that occasion, President Prabowo also mentioned that he had directly inspected the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal program or MBG at two schools in East Jakarta, including their kitchens. According to him, the MBG program he reviewed was already good, although there were still some issues.

So, later on, how can the results truly be accommodated by Bulog, in this case, and also ensure that the price can be purchased at a good rate.

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, General Maruli Simanjuntak, stated that regarding food security, there are several steps that have been and will be enhanced by the Indonesian Army. For instance, the Indonesian Army will also manage idle or unused land.

The yield from the land is managed so that the price does not disadvantage any party. "So, later on, how the results (of managing idle land) can truly be accommodated by Bulog, in this case, and also ensure that the price can be purchased at a good price," said Maruli.

In addition, the yield from the idle land can be used to supply the food needs of the MBG program. The MBG program not only benefits students who receive nutritious meals but also the community that cultivates the land.

He stated that with the existence of this MBG, there is already a definite market for vegetable and fruit farmers, as well as chicken and egg breeders. He is confident that the agricultural products processed by the TNI will certainly be sold out.

Currently, the Indonesian Army has 240 MBG points, including in Papua. "There are 82 million school children who will be included in this program, not including pregnant women. Certainly the farmers' produce will sell," said Maruli.

The first step to revive dormant lands, according to Maruli, is to carry out repairs to gardens or rice fields that have irrigation problems. This effort has been carried out by the Indonesian Army for the past few years.

The piping and hydrant pump program has irrigated 50,000 hectares of land. The Indonesian Army has complete data. Cooperation has also been carried out with PTPN such as in Cibenda, and later in Purwakarta, Cianjur, and Baturaja.

Maruli also touched on Prabowo's directive regarding free health services. The Indonesian Army will implement it by creating a health company. As Prabowo planned when he was Minister of Defense, 100 territorial battalions will be formed throughout Indonesia.

In this battalion, there are food and health companies. "In this Kodam, there is already a field hospital. Later we can maximize all of that. While those that don't exist, we may work manually again," said Maruli.

On the sidelines of the Rapim, as a form of appreciation and recognition for the dedication and devotion of soldiers and civil servants of the Indonesian Army, Maruli Simanjuntak, accompanied by the General Chairperson of Persit Kartika Chandra Kirana (KCK) Ny Uli Simanjuntak, sent off 302 prospective Umrah pilgrims.

Maruli said that this Umrah program is a form of appreciation for personnel who have shown extraordinary achievements and dedication in their respective units.

"Each Korem we choose one soldier who has achievements. In the future, we hope that more members and their wives or husbands can be sent on Umrah," said Maruli.