JAKARTA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has described food security and industrialization as two essential themes for the country's future during the presentation of Indonesia's 2027 macroeconomic framework.
"Food self-sufficiency was one of my main priorities," Prabowo said on Tuesday, adding that food security is not only about agriculture, but also about sovereignty and stability.
Indonesia has intensified efforts in recent years to strengthen domestic rice production, fertilizer distribution and strategic food reserves. During the speech, Prabowo said the country's rice stockpile had reached more than 5.3 million tons, which he described as the highest level in Indonesia's history.
The government has also expanded its nationwide free meals program for students, pregnant women and low-income communities. According to Prabowo, the free nutritious meals program has reached 62.4 million beneficiaries daily, including children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.
At the same time, Prabowo also pushed a broader economic ambition to transform Indonesia from a commodity-dependent economy into a manufacturing-based industrial power capable of producing higher-value goods.
"We have to industrialize. We have to make our own cars, motorcycles, televisions, computers and cell phones," he said.
The vision builds on Indonesia's downstreaming strategy launched under former president Joko Widodo, which restricted exports of unprocessed minerals such as nickel in an effort to apply his "downstreaming" policy and attract investment into smelters and battery supply chains.
Bhima Yudhistira, executive director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies, said Indonesia's downstreaming push had already reshaped the country's industrial landscape.
"Indonesia is no longer seen only as a supplier of raw materials. The downstream strategy has increased investment and strengthened Indonesia's position in strategic industries linked to the energy transition," he said.
Economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet from the Center of Reform on Economics Indonesia said food resilience had also become increasingly important as global uncertainty continues.
"Many countries are now prioritizing food security because external shocks can directly affect domestic prices and social stability," he said. ■
