During a meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, Wahid explained that between 2019 and 2024, Indonesia lost approximately 554,000 hectares of rice fields to industrial and residential development.
"In our discussion earlier, we outlined steps that required the President's consultation, and thankfully, he has given his blessing," Wahid said.
Wahid stated that the ministry has initiated several measures in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025 regarding the 2025-2030 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which mandates the protection of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Land (LP2B).
Under this regulation, Wahid emphasized that rice fields categorized as LP2B must be protected and never converted to other uses. This land must constitute at least 87 percent of all Raw Paddy Land (LBS).
The ministry has designated all LBS as LP2B in regions where Regional Spatial Plans (RTRW) do not yet meet the 87 percent minimum requirement. This policy will remain in effect until local governments clearly define boundaries between protected LP2B and land eligible for conversion.
Wahid added that regions whose RTRW does not meet the 87 percent threshold must revise their plans within six months to prevent further loss of agricultural land.
The government is committed to strengthening spatial planning and land management policies to protect national rice fields as a strategic asset for food security and public welfare.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina
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