REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian military (TNI) has always supported the government's policy to ensure food sovereignty, particularly in border areas and small and outlying islands, TNI Chief Gen. Moeldoko said.

"I have urged the rank and file and the main command chiefs to cooperate with related components in building food sovereignty. We will give the best to the state," Moeldoko said while opening a meeting of 100 food experts at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday (30/3).

To address food issues, the TNI chief said it was not enough to attend seminars and discussions without taking concrete steps.

"We do not need to have many seminars and gatherings. But let us identify the problem properly and then take concrete steps. In essence, TNI is ready any time," he said.

Moeldoko said if the nine priority programs (Nawa Cita) initiated by President Joko Widodo were implemented consistently, Indonesia would be prosperous, tranquil and peaceful. It would also become self reliant in food production because food sovereignty was a strategic issue.

"Food sovereignty is very important because it is related to the life of the Indonesian people," he said.

Food sovereignty was a very strategic issue for all countries and they were trying to find new food farms to meet their food needs, he said.

"Food is a strategic force to build national stability, particularly to develop an effective people's defence and security system. Agencies and other components must be serious about ensuring food sovereignty because it is related to other aspects," he said.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika