I am happy that students can participate in supporting the food security program in their regionJakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Moeldoko drew attention to the importance of food security in each region in order to fulfill the community's needs amid the threat of a global food crisis.
"Each region in Indonesia must have food security, so it does not depend on supplies from other islands or regions," he noted in an official statement here.
Moeldoko conveyed the statement during a meeting with Rector of Manado State University, Prof. Dietje A. Katuuk, and several officials of universities in North Sulawesi at the Bina Graha Building here on Friday.
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The former TNI commander analogized the regional food security system with one of the military defense strategies, specifically the compartment system.
He believes large islands should have food self-sufficiency owing to the difficulty of bringing in logistics from outside the island.
"This compartment system is very much in line with the current issues of agriculture and food security. Moreover, we are currently facing a challenging global situation. Hence, we must be able to meet our needs independently," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, officials of Manado State University met with Moeldoko to discuss the potential for developing superior rice and corn varieties as well as for sorghum cultivation in North Sulawesi.
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Currently, the government continues to strive to maintain the pillars of food security by ensuring the quantity and quality of foods that are available at affordable prices.
Thus, Manado State University's initiative to develop superior food products drew praises from the KSP head.
"I am happy that students can participate in supporting the food security program in their region. Invite and teach students and local communities to make organic fertilizers. It will be great if students have many choices to develop products in the agricultural sector," Moeldoko remarked.
He expressed optimism that the community would change its mindset, so that members do not farm just to have sufficient food to consume but also start thinking about ways to innovate in the agricultural sector.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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