VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto met Vice President Ma'ruf Amin at the Vice President's Official Residence, Jl. Diponegoro No. 2, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Thursday afternoon. Prabowo's visit to the vice president's residence was the first time since the cabinet's inauguration.

From 15.00 to 15.45 WIB, the Minister of Defense and the Vice President discussed the food estate program to maintain food security. According to Prabowo, every country is trying to find knowledge on how to deal with the food crisis, including Indonesia.

"Indonesian people are very dependent on rice, so we need a solution on how to stop and diversify this crisis," said Prabowo to the media crew.

Prabowo reported to the Vice President that 1.4 million hectares of land in various regions in Indonesia was ready for food estate. Some land is for rice and some for non-rice such as cassava, sago, sorghum, maize, and others. Prabowo said this food investment will depart from state funds and will be followed by investment funds.

"There are several countries interested in this concept, such as South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and China. They are interested in investing in this food sector because it is predicted that countries will fight for food, so it is possible for Indonesia to collaborate. Some of these areas include Central Kalimantan, Merauke, Bangka Belitung, and Jambi," said Prabowo.

In the meeting, Prabowo also reported on the problem of redistribution of idle land, which has not been used for too long, so it should be necessary to redistribute it.

Meanwhile, regarding the plan to repair defense equipment, Prabowo revealed plans to repair combat aircraft, ships, tanks for the army, sea, and air.

"Buying a new one is too expensive and longer to process. Therefore, it would be great if we improve the existing ones. For example, Hercules, Sukhoi planes, including tanks and ships can be repaired," he said.

Prabowo said what is more urgent is to buy bullets. Indonesia is short of bullets. Many Indonesians are good at shooting, but don't have bullets, he said.

In the special meeting, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin encouraged the management of 1.4 million hectares of land in various regions in Indonesia that were ready to become food estate, to involve elements of the local community.

"So that this program also involves the local community, including various elements of regional stakeholders, Islamic boarding schools, and others depending on the region," he concluded. (RRI)