PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Governor Bey Machmudin is targeting West Java as a national rice granary area that can quickly become self-sufficient in food.

For this reason, Bey initiated a coordination meeting on food security and agricultural productivity in West Java which was held in a hybrid manner at Gedung Sate, Bandung City, Thursday (18/4/2024).

The coordination meeting was attended by regents/mayors, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, and West Java agricultural stakeholders.

"Today's meeting is optimistic that we want West Java to be self-sufficient in food. Yesterday there was an increase in the price of rice and difficulties in several retailers, we think that West Java as a rice granary must be able to handle it optimally," said Bey Machmudin after the coordination meeting, Thursday (18/4/ 2024).

Bey hopes that the agricultural management and trade system in West Java can be completely improved, right down to the BUMDs that manage rice reserves.

"God willing, this year, if we achieve our target, we can manage our own food. So even if there is a national shortage, West Java doesn't need to participate. We will also reorganize the BUMD that handles rice reserves," he explained.

Bey targets that by 2024 West Java can become the largest food barn in Indonesia

"This year we want to be the first. God willing, with the enthusiasm of the regents/mayors we will also achieve support from the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as from BBWS regarding irrigation," he said.

According to Bey, the challenges towards food self-sufficiency range from damaged irrigation, the price and availability of fertilizer and seeds.

Specifically for the irrigation network which is the key to irrigating rice fields, Bey said it would be monitored jointly by regents/mayors, coordinating with the Provincial Secretary, Inspector General of the Ministry of Agriculture.

If these challenges are overcome well, Bey is optimistic that the target of 11 million tons of milled dry grain (GKG) will be achieved by December 2024.

"The GKG (target) is 11 million, there is still time until December, God willing, it will be achieved," said Bey.

Meanwhile, the Inspectorate General of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, Setyo Budianto, appreciated the initiative of the Acting Governor of West Java to hold a coordination meeting on food security and agricultural productivity.

According to him, this is an important step in accelerating programs and solutions to West Java's agricultural problems.

Setyo asked the regional heads, department heads, Forkopimda to gradually give instructions downwards to pay attention.

"So this is not just a matter for the regional government, everyone has a role and a role," he concluded.