Jakarta – In a significant move to bolster sustainable food security, Indonesia and the Netherlands have fortified their agricultural ties. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono lauded the Netherlands’ agricultural prowess, highlighting its position as the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite its small size. “That is extraordinary and an inspiration for us,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for knowledge transfer and collaboration between the two nations.
The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security marks a pivotal step in this collaboration. The agreement, inked in Jakarta, focuses on sustainable agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse technology, and capacity building for young farmers. This partnership aims to leverage Dutch expertise to enhance Indonesia’s agricultural sector, which has shown promising growth trends.
Sudaryono underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies and practices from the Netherlands, particularly in horticulture and modern irrigation systems. He pointed to Indonesia’s recent agricultural achievements, including a 52.45% increase in rice production and a 39.02% rise in corn production in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. “We want our younger generation to be involved in this sector, especially through the use of greenhouse technology,” he remarked, highlighting the potential for technological advancements to drive further growth.
Guido Landheer, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security of the Netherlands, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “We are not here to export products, such as tomatoes, to Indonesia but to share knowledge for Indonesian farmers to produce their own with the right technology,” he stated. Landheer’s visit underscores the longstanding relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to addressing global food security challenges.
The MoU encompasses a broad range of cooperative efforts, including economic, scientific, and technological exchanges in agriculture, nature and biodiversity, rural development, and agribusiness. This comprehensive approach aims to build the production capacity of local farmers sustainably, ensuring long-term food security for Indonesia.
The implications of this partnership are far-reaching. By leveraging Dutch expertise and technology, Indonesia can enhance its agricultural productivity and sustainability. This collaboration not only promises to boost Indonesia’s food security but also fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge and experiences, benefiting both nations. As the world grapples with food security issues, such international partnerships become increasingly crucial in driving innovative solutions and sustainable practices in agriculture.