Majalengka – President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, openly expressed his joy during the National Harvest Festival held simultaneously in 14 provinces and 157 regencies/cities across the country, centered in Majalengka, West Java, on Monday (April 7).

In this event filled with cheer and gratitude, the President declared his happiness no less than six times, underscoring his appreciation for the improvement in farmers’ welfare.

“Today, perhaps the happiest person of all is me—the President of the Republic of Indonesia,” President Prabowo said during the festive harvest celebration.

Farmers across the country shared in this sentiment. From Serang Regency, Banten, the Chairman of the Subur Makmur Farmers Association, Kodiman, stated:

“Alhamdulillah, we used to earn around IDR 5,500 per kilogram. Now, thanks to President Prabowo Subianto, the price of our unhusked rice has reached IDR 6,500 per kilogram.”

In Central Lampung, farmers echoed the joy as the price of rice surged from IDR 4,000 to IDR 6,500 per kilogram.

“We are deeply grateful. This is a true blessing for us farmers,” said a representative of the Lampung farmers.

A farmer from Ngawi Regency, East Java, added:“We farmers in Ngawi are extremely happy with the President’s policies. The price of our rice has reached IDR 6,500, and fertilizers are now easily accessible.”

Moved by the farmers’ enthusiasm, President Prabowo even extended the event duration from the originally scheduled one hour to two hours.

“To all farmers across Indonesia, your struggle is noble. Today, the country’s top leadership consists of people who understand, who will defend farmers’ interests, who love farmers. You are heroes of production,” declared the President.

Presidential Communications Office Spokesperson Prita Laura emphasized that the President’s happiness reflects the happiness of farmers nationwide. According to her, President Prabowo gives special attention to farmers because he envisions an Indonesia where farmers prosper and the country becomes food self-sufficient—and even a global food powerhouse.

“This is the first time I’ve heard President Prabowo say ‘I am happy’ six times in a single event. He explained that his happiness comes from being able to bring joy to farmers and push for the largest harvest in the past seven years,” said Prita.

Prita added that the President has personally taken note of the issues raised by farmers—ranging from easier access to fertilizers and seeds, more active agricultural assistance, irrigation improvements, the provision of agricultural machinery, to raising the purchase price of rice to IDR 6,500 per kilogram, a record high according to the farmers.

“It’s been only six months since he took office, yet the President has already overhauled many systems and practices that previously impoverished farmers,” she added.

On the same occasion, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed that rice procurement by Bulog (the national logistics agency) has increased by 2,000%, from 35,000 tons to 800,000 tons. He said this is a direct result of the pro-farmer policies consistently implemented by the government under the President’s direction.

According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), national rice production between January and April 2025 has reached 13.94 million tons of dry milled rice (GKG), equivalent to 8.03 million tons of rice—the highest figure in the past seven years. This achievement was made possible through accelerated planting programs, distribution of fertilizers and superior seeds, and expanded irrigation via water pumping (pompanisasi).

Minister Amran’s remarks were in line with the farmers’ experiences.

“What’s different under Mr. Prabowo’s leadership is that government policies are closely monitored—from the President’s directive, to the implementation at the ministerial level, all the way down to the farmers. That’s what makes the results different,” said Dani, an agricultural extension officer in Majalengka.

Dani’s comments were echoed by Surdi, a member of the local farming group.

“In the past, I came home with so little from the fields that my wife would ask me to change jobs. But farming is all I know. Now I come home with a good harvest, and my family is happy. Thank you, Mr. Prabowo,” he said.