National Food Security Research Gets Boost from Top Leadership

Coordinated Effort to Enhance Food Independence

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), led a crucial coordination meeting on January 7, 2026, to accelerate the national food security research agenda. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Deputy Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), and leaders from various research institutions.

Presidential Directive Drives Action

The high-level meeting was a direct response to President Prabowo's recent directive during a retreat in Hambalang, where he emphasized the critical importance of integrated research as the foundation for national food independence. President Prabowo stressed that research initiatives could no longer afford to be slow or operate in silos.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

Luhut highlighted the President's clear message that a unified approach across all research institutions was essential. He emphasized that institutions such as BRIN, IPB, UGM, IT Del, and TSTH2 needed to work together synergistically. The coordinated effort aims to create a significant leap forward in national food security through comprehensive research integration.

Implications for National Development

This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing food security through scientific research and innovation. By bringing together various research entities under a unified agenda, Indonesia aims to strengthen its food independence and potentially become more resilient to global food market fluctuations.