Presidential Staff Office’s (KSP) farmer regeneration program is gaining more focus. Chief of Presidential Staff General (Ret.) TNI Moeldoko stated that the regeneration program must be conducted inclusively and collaboratively to accelerate its process.
“With the current aging demographic of farmers, there’s an urgent need to encourage the younger generation to consider entering the agricultural sector as a career choice,” said Moeldoko at Binagraha, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/5), as reported.
The aim of this program is to cultivate young farmers who are adaptive to various farming methods such as permaculture, environmentally friendly farming, the use of appropriate simple technology, and smart farming utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
Moeldoko emphasized that this program must directly impact the increase of competent and innovative young farmers, thus contributing to the revitalization of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
He believes that the emergence of new companies managed by young farmers can catalyze the younger generation to enter the agricultural sector.
“Turning the agricultural sector into an attractive and profitable field with significant development potential is essential, especially with the implementation of the latest technology,” said Moeldoko.
Based on agricultural census data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), currently, over 70% of Indonesian farmers are over 43 years old, with only 2.14% classified as young or Gen Z.
This situation adds urgency to promote regeneration among the youth to ensure national food security.
The farmer regeneration program will involve several stakeholders across ministries, agencies, scout youth organizations, state-owned enterprises, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as the Indonesian Farmers’ Harmony Association (HKTI).
Its goal is to create an ecosystem that supports the growth of skilled and broad-minded young farmers.
The meeting chaired by Moeldoko was attended by Dida Gardera, Deputy of Food at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
They have reached a consensus regarding collaboration to strengthen the farmer regeneration program. This partnership will energize the agricultural sector by integrating modern technology.
Dida Gardera stated that the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs fully supports the farmer regeneration program initiated by KSP. “We plan to develop a collaborative platform that will unify various programs from stakeholders for more effective synergy,” said Dida.
