Indonesia’s agriculture minister stops in Karawang rice field and gives farm workers a combine harvester

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stopped his convoy in a rice field in Tegal Sawah village, East Karawang, after seeing farm workers at work. He left his vehicle to speak with them directly.

The workers told him that most did not own rice fields and relied on harvest labor to meet their daily needs. They also said the agricultural equipment they normally used had been stolen on the night of Aug. 17.

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If it cannot be found, it will be replaced. It is gone, so we will replace it.

Amran promised to replace the missing equipment. “If it cannot be found, it will be replaced. It is gone, so we will replace it,” he said on Monday.

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Those who do not have equipment should be prioritized. Farm workers can receive tractors or combines.

He also gave the workers a combine harvester to manage and use collectively. The machine could speed up harvesting and create a new source of income by providing services to nearby farmers. Amran said it could cover five to 10 hectares a day.

He instructed the newly formed group to share the proceeds fairly. Part of the income could cover fuel and operating costs, with the remainder divided among its members. “Share the proceeds equally. Everyone takes part. No one should be left out,” he said. Worker Julaiha said she was grateful for both the harvester and the planned replacement of her stolen equipment.

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Share the proceeds equally. Everyone takes part. No one should be left out.