Mataram, University of Mataram — The University of Mataram (Unram) once again reaffirmed its strategic role in supporting national food security by organizing a public lecture titled “Achieving Sustainable Food Self-Sufficiency Toward Indonesia as a Global Food Barn.” The event, held on Saturday (July 26) at the Senate Conference Room, Rectorate Building of Unram, featured Prof. Dr. Ir. Mohammad Jafar Hafsah, IPU., APEC, ASEAN Eng., Professor of Agribusiness at the PTIQ Jakarta Postgraduate Program and Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association (ICMI).

The Rector of the University of Mataram, Prof. Ir. Bambang Hari Kusumo, M.Agr.St., Ph.D., in his opening address, emphasized that food security constitutes a critical foundation for ensuring national stability. He identified two pressing challenges currently faced by Indonesia: food loss and food waste.

“It is imperative that we address both food loss and food waste, while simultaneously promoting local food diversification particularly through the utilization of indigenous tuber crops as a means to achieving food security,” stated Prof. Bambang.

He further stressed the strategic importance of developing alternative food sources through the conservation of local tuber varieties. In this regard, he urged the Faculty of Agriculture at Unram to pioneer a pilot initiative focused on local-based food diversification, which could serve as a national model for reducing dependence on rice as a staple food.

Meanwhile, in his presentation, Prof. Jafar Hafsah emphasized that food is a fundamental sector that determines a nation’s future. A country capable of managing its food systems independently and sustainably, he asserted, is a strong and sovereign nation.

Prof. Jafar further elaborated on the grand vision of President Prabowo Subianto for Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045), which is structured around eight Asta Cita (national goals), eighteen priority programs, and eight fast-track outcome initiatives. This vision is being implemented through a range of strategic programs, including the provision of free nutritious meals and efforts to increase agricultural land productivity through the development of food barns at the village, regional, and national levels.

To support the realization of sustainable food self-sufficiency, Prof. Jafar outlined several key strategies. These include the development of sustainable agricultural human resources through the integration of formal and non-formal education, along with technical training; the establishment of modern agricultural training centers in every province; the formation of village-based digital field schools; the provision of scholarships and agribusiness incubation programs for the younger generation; as well as the strengthening of infrastructure, financing systems, and the use of digital technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in the agricultural sector.

This conference served as a vital platform for the Unram academic community to deepen its strategic understanding of global food issues and the role of youth in addressing these challenges. With the active involvement of universities, cross-sector collaboration, and a strong commitment to innovation, Indonesia is believed to be on a firm path toward achieving food sovereignty and becoming a resilient and sustainable global food barn.