North Sumatra Governor: Food Security is Government's Responsibility Up to Village Level

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has declared food security a core government responsibility, extending from the village level to the national stage. This emphasis aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's national priority on the food sector, with Nasution stressing that the state must ensure citizens' basic needs are met.

Nasution made these remarks after attending the closing of the Tani Merdeka (Free Farmers) training and education program for North Sumatra and Aceh. He underscored the fundamental and crucial nature of food security for societal survival. "Therefore, food security is the responsibility of the government at all levels," he stated, adding that the government's primary task is to ensure the president's priority programs are effectively implemented down to the grassroots level and understood by all.

The governor praised President Prabowo's agricultural initiatives, pointing to a significant increase in the absorption of domestic harvests by the government. Data from Bulog as of July 24, 2026, shows that 3.5 million tons of paddy equivalent to rice have been absorbed from farmers, reaching 87% of the national target of 4 million tons. "Today we see the programs already being carried out by the President are all in line, including in the agricultural sector. We know the data on how farmer absorption is very good today," Bobby said.

Governor Nasution also called for continued collaboration with the Tani Merdeka organization, expressing confidence that their synergy would optimize agricultural programs due to the organization's skilled human resources. Gusmiyadi, Chairman of Tani Merdeka's North Sumatra Regional Board, appreciated the governor's support and backed the strategic plan for agricultural and livestock zoning in North Sumatra. He also announced that North Sumatra will host a national farmers' gathering, solidifying its role as a consolidation base for farmers across Indonesia.