In the heart of Indonesia, where 17.2 million small farmers toil to feed a nation of 280 million, a digital divide is widening. As agricultural technology advances at a rapid pace, these small-scale farmers are often left behind, stuck in a cycle of traditional practices that yield diminishing returns. However, a new report offers a beacon of hope, outlining practical solutions to bridge the gap between farmers and tech innovators, ultimately boosting productivity, market access, and food security.
The report, titled ‘Transitioning future small farms in Indonesia: Ten best practices for agritech startups & wider ecosystems’, was launched at the Australian Consulate General in Bali. It is the culmination of extensive research led by Trisna Mulyati, a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Mulyati’s personal connection to the issue—growing up in Aceh province and witnessing her uncle’s struggles as a farmer—fuels her passion and insight.
Mulyati emphasizes the need for a farmer-centric approach, where smallholders have a greater voice in the development and implementation of technological solutions. “There’s enormous potential for technology-driven growth,” she says, “but AgTech startups need to go beyond ‘fly-in, fly-out’ models. Farmers need long-term partnerships, not one-time interventions.”
The report, supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Indonesian partners, calls for stronger engagement between tech startups, NGOs, and policymakers. It outlines ten best practices to enable and shape Indonesia’s rural startup ecosystem, drawing from interviews with 131 stakeholders across Jakarta, West Java, Bali, and Aceh.
Among the key recommendations are the need for on-farm demonstrations, farmer-centric insights, effective farm financing and advisory services, and sustainable growth strategies. The report also advocates for leveraging blended capital, collaborating with NGOs for policy advocacy, and fostering authentic sustainability.
The implications of this report are far-reaching. By embracing these best practices, Indonesia can build a more resilient agricultural sector that empowers small farmers and secures food production for future generations. Moreover, the insights gained from this research can serve as a guide-map for AgTech innovators and rural communities worldwide, encouraging a shift away from one-size-fits-all startup models towards farmer-driven innovation.
Australia’s Consul-General Jo Stevens, who attended the Bali launch, underscored the significance of this initiative. “This initiative highlights DFAT’s commitment to fostering international collaboration,” she said. “It’s about ensuring a prosperous future for both Indonesia and Australia.”
Building on this momentum, UTS and the Pijar Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore future collaborations that advance their respective innovation ecosystems. Associate Professor Martin Bliemel, Director of Innovation at the UTS Transdisciplinary School, sees this report as a catalyst for change. “By moving away from one-size-fits-all startup models and embracing farmer-driven innovation,” he says, “Indonesia has the chance to build a resilient agricultural sector – one that prioritises sustainability, empowers small farmers, and secures food production for generations to come.”