"We must achieve food self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. I have responded that we are ready and capable," he stated in a press release on Wednesday.
He has returned to office to lead the ministry under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Sulaiman also expressed his commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency in Indonesia, noting that this aligns with President Prabowo's mandate to his cabinet for reducing reliance on food imports by reaching food sovereignty.
"Under the leadership of President Prabowo, we are determined to fulfill Indonesia's goal of food sovereignty," Sulaiman said.
He expressed confidence that now is the golden opportunity for executing the ministry's sustainable agricultural program.
"We must give our best for the nation," Sulaiman added.
He explained that food self-sufficiency can be achieved through the continuation of sustainable programs initiated by the previous leadership.
Sulaiman highlighted several initiatives, including a rice field expansion program aimed at modernizing traditional farming methods, increasing agricultural mechanization, and enhancing the skills of young farmers.
"We have already begun this work. Currently, we are focusing on 40,000 hectares in Merauke," he said.
He also mentioned that the ministry's budget has increased from Rp6.9 trillion to Rp30 trillion (around US$1.93 billion).
To this end, Sulaiman urged his team to continue working together in synergy and coordination.
“The president advised us to synergize and collaborate," he said. "We are working together to achieve this goal."
Sulaiman, who was sworn in as agriculture minister by President Prabowo on October 21, previously held the same position during President Joko Widodo's second term.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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