“IPB has a long and proud history, having produced many national figures. We must come together -- government, academics, and alumni -- to eradicate food cartels and ensure our food systems prioritize farmers and the people,” Amran said during the National Symposium commemorating the 85th anniversary of IPB’s Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) and its alumni association (IKA Faperta) in Bogor, according to a statement released here on Sunday.
The minister underlined IPB’s strategic role as the country’s largest agricultural university -- not only in fostering innovation, but also as a moral stronghold in the fight against corruption in the food sector.
He stressed that food cartels must not be allowed to dominate the agribusiness ecosystem, particularly in the rice sector. Based on investigations led by the ministry, 212 out of 268 so-called premium rice brands were found to be non-compliant with established standards. These findings have been submitted to law enforcement authorities.
“We will not stay silent. These food cartels are hurting farmers, exploiting consumers, and perpetuating injustice. The state must not lose. We will continue to act decisively,” Amran said.
Beyond rice, the minister also highlighted other pressing issues affecting farmers, including counterfeit fertilizers and the mismanagement of subsidized fertilizer distribution.
He cited a case where fertilizers lacked essential nutrients, causing crop failures and farmer losses estimated at Rp3.2 trillion.
“Imagine farmers relying on microcredit loans (KUR) suffering massive losses because the fertilizers they used were of poor quality. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
According to Amran, the complex challenges facing Indonesia’s food system cannot be tackled by the government alone. He called for cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing the crucial role of IPB and its alumni in addressing structural problems like food cartels, fertilizer fraud, and agribusiness governance.
“If we stand united, I believe we can overcome the food cartel issue and other agricultural challenges. This is a collective struggle,” Amran said.
Meanwhile, IPB Faculty of Agriculture Dean Suryo Wiyono reaffirmed the faculty’s core values: innovation, resilience, synergy, leadership, and commitment to the people.
“With President Prabowo’s administration being strongly pro-agriculture, we hope the contribution and impact of IPB’s Faculty of Agriculture will grow even more significant in the years ahead,” Suryo said.
He noted that the faculty’s long journey -- beginning with its first lecture in September 1940 -- has made substantial contributions to national development.
This anniversary celebration, he added, serves as a gathering point for alumni, academics, students, and farmers alike to strengthen support for IPB’s mission today and into the future.
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Translator: Harianto, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Primayanti
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