"No matter how great a country is, if its food security remains uncertain, then that country is truly vulnerable," he added at the launch of the Sustainable Village Development Awards 2025 in Jakarta on Monday.
He emphasized that, in addition to food self-sufficiency, energy self-sufficiency is also crucial.
According to Susanto, energy self-sufficiency can be attained by harnessing the potential of each village, including those in underdeveloped areas.
In this way, Indonesia can reduce its reliance on foreign countries for its energy needs.
He urged for the mapping of underdeveloped areas and their potential resources.
"We possess significant potential from palm oil, castor oil, and other sources. Therefore, we should strive to identify the natural potentials of underdeveloped areas," he said.
The minister also called for the development of village-owned enterprises to facilitate the achievement of food and energy self-sufficiency in the country.
Earlier, while delivering his inaugural address here on October 20, 2024, President Prabowo Subianto expressed optimism that Indonesia will achieve food self-sufficiency in four to five years.
He affirmed that his optimism is based on his discussions with experts. Therefore, it is crucial to realize food self-sufficiency to prevent dependence on other countries for food.
Moreover, he said that during a crisis, no country would want to sell its food commodities to others.
"Therefore, there is no other way. We must achieve food security as soon as possible," he stressed.
Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
