The Indonesian government is pushing for a generational shift in farming, urging young agricultural workers to adopt smart precision farming as a cornerstone of the nation’s food security strategy. Speaking at a grand harvest festival in Subang, West Java, Frans B.M. Dabukke, an expert staff member at the Ministry of National Development Planning, highlighted the critical role of youth in modernizing agriculture—a sector long dominated by traditional practices but now facing pressure to innovate.
Dabukke’s remarks come as Indonesia seeks to accelerate food self-sufficiency, a goal that hinges on increasing productivity through technology. At the event, drones were deployed to spread rice seeds, a method he described as a potential new standard for young farmers. The shift toward precision agriculture, he noted, could boost rice yields from the current average of 10 tons per hectare to as much as 14 tons—an increase that would significantly bolster domestic production.
The push for modernization extends beyond mechanization. Digital tools, including AI-driven land mapping and data analytics for fertilization and pest control, are being promoted to optimize farming efficiency. These technologies, Dabukke argued, could help Indonesia not only meet its own food demands but also enhance its competitiveness in global agricultural markets.
The urgency of this transition is underscored by recent production trends. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), rice output from January to November 2025 is projected to reach 33.19 million tons—a 12.62% jump from the same period last year. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has expressed confidence that this growth could position Indonesia to declare rice self-sufficiency within three months, barring unforeseen disruptions.
Yet the success of this vision depends on more than just technology—it requires a cultural shift. The ministry is advocating for the expansion of tech-savvy farming communities, where young agrarians can collaborate, share knowledge, and scale innovative practices. Without a new generation willing to embrace these changes, the risk of stagnation looms, threatening both productivity gains and long-term food security.
For now, the government’s focus remains on bridging the gap between traditional farming and digital agriculture. If successful, the integration of smart precision techniques could redefine Indonesia’s agricultural landscape, turning fields into high-efficiency hubs capable of sustaining the nation’s growing population. But the real test will be whether young farmers—often drawn to urban opportunities—see a future in the soil, armed with drones and data instead of hoes and guesswork.