The Indonesian government is pushing for a technological transformation in agriculture, urging young farmers to adopt smart precision farming as a key driver for food self-sufficiency and national food security. The call was highlighted during a grand harvest festival in Subang, West Java, where officials showcased how modern techniques—like drone-assisted rice seed spreading—could redefine farming practices.
Frans B.M. Dabukke, an expert staff member at the Ministry of National Development Planning, emphasized that young farmers play a critical role in this shift. Their involvement is seen as vital for sustainable innovation and the long-term regeneration of Indonesia’s agricultural workforce. “This is an opportunity for young farmers to expand modern agricultural services,” Dabukke said, noting that such methods could boost rice yields from 10 tons per hectare to as much as 14 tons.
The push for digital integration extends beyond drones. The ministry is advocating for wider adoption of data-driven tools to optimize land mapping, fertilization, and pest control—processes that could significantly improve efficiency and competitiveness. If scaled effectively, these technologies could help Indonesia accelerate its path toward food independence while reducing reliance on traditional, labor-intensive methods.
The optimism is shared by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, who recently stated that Indonesia could achieve rice self-sufficiency within three months, barring unforeseen challenges. His confidence is backed by projections from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which forecasts a 12.62% increase in rice production for January–November 2025, reaching 33.19 million tons compared to 29.47 million tons in the same period last year.
Yet, the transition isn’t without hurdles. While modern farming techniques have shown productivity gains of 30–50% in some cases, widespread adoption requires accessible training, affordable technology, and infrastructure support—particularly in rural areas where smallholder farmers dominate. The government’s focus on replicating tech-based farming communities suggests a strategy to bridge this gap, but success will depend on how well these initiatives reach grassroots levels.
For now, the message is clear: Indonesia’s agricultural future hinges on blending tradition with innovation, with young farmers at the forefront of this change. If executed well, the shift could not only secure the nation’s food supply but also position its agriculture sector as a regional leader in smart farming.