By Abdullahi Lukman
Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has urged the Indonesian Businesswomen Association (IWAPI) to strengthen collaboration with the government in advancing national food security initiatives.
Speaking after a meeting with IWAPI on Monday, Sulaiman emphasized the strategic role of women in promoting household-level food self-sufficiency through nutritious and affordable food programs.
The minister said the Agriculture Ministry is ready to provide IWAPI with technical assistance, including seeds for horticulture and plantations, as well as support for poultry and goat farming.
“I envision a large consortium of women’s organizations supporting nutritious food movements and food independence across communities,” he stated.
Under a national nutritious food program, the government is encouraging households, schools, offices, and other institutions to produce their own food—such as chicken, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fish—to reduce dependency and lower national food expenditure.
“If each household meets part of its food needs, we can save up to Rp1,400 trillion annually,” Sulaiman said, adding that Indonesia’s abundant natural resources should be harnessed at the grassroots level, with women leading the effort.
IWAPI Chairwoman Nita Yudi affirmed the association’s support for the ministry’s agenda, particularly through the National Women’s Food Movement and the Free Nutritious Food (MBG) program.
With over 40,000 members across 38 provinces, IWAPI aims to empower women in agriculture, animal husbandry, and urban home farming, while contributing to a healthier and more resilient nation.
