Jakarta — With their traditional rice-field hats still resting on their heads, a group of farmers from Karawang, West Java, beamed with joy as they attended the 80th Independence Day Ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia at Merdeka Palace on Sunday (Aug 17). The special invitation from President Prabowo Subianto, they said, was an unforgettable experience.

“Alhamdulillah, our first impression is immense gratitude. President Prabowo’s vision is food self-sufficiency, and we, the farmers of Karawang, were specially invited by the President. We are thankful for the opportunity to experience the ceremony at Merdeka Palace. Thank you, President Prabowo,” said Rifki Habibie, representing Karawang farmers after the event.

Their emotions were a mix of awe and happiness. “We’re extremely happy—usually we only watch it on television, but now we can be here in person,” he added.

The farmers also reaffirmed their full support for government programs aimed at improving farmers’ welfare. “We will continue to safeguard food sovereignty, especially in Karawang, West Java, to maintain the stability of rice and paddy production,” they declared in unison.

They voiced their hopes clearly and passionately. “Our message and hope is that the government will always support us—whether rice farmers or other farmers and livestock breeders in Karawang. We are ready to support President Prabowo’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency,” they said with enthusiasm.

On the same occasion, the farmers expressed their appreciation for President Prabowo’s affordable fertilizer program. For them, this initiative represents a real form of independence in the food sector. “May fertilizer remain affordable, rice prices high during harvest, and Karawang farmers victorious, victorious, victorious!” they exclaimed.