By: Hariqo Wibawa Satria, Senior Expert Staff, Presidential Communications Office
This story begins with a name: Prabowo Subianto.
President Prabowo was born on October 17, 1951.
Five years earlier, on January 25, 1946, two of his uncles died in the Lengkong Battle in South Tangerang, Banten.
Their names were Soebianto Djojohadikusumo and Soejono Djojohadikusumo—sons of Mr. Margono Djojohadikusumo.
As a tribute, his father, Prof. Dr. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo, and his beloved mother, Dora Marie Sigar, named their son Prabowo Soebianto, hoping he would inherit Soebianto’s spirit of sacrifice for the honor of the nation.
“Those whose graves are unmarked, or heroes without names, deserve far more respect than I do,” President Prabowo once said in a meeting.
From a young age, Prabowo heard many stories about how farmers, planters, ranchers, and fishermen aided the independence fighters—including his uncles. They did not just offer food and water, but shelter and warmth.
These stories instilled in him deep respect for those who work the land and the sea with their own hands.
They also fueled his decision to become a soldier and vow to die, if necessary, for Indonesia’s national interest.
That respect only grew stronger during his time as a young soldier in the remote corners of Indonesia in the 1970s and 1980s. With limited logistics, it was the people who welcomed him with open arms.
Warm rice, clean water, fresh coconut, and sincere smiles from villagers became an irreplaceable source of strength.
During one military assignment, while resting in a tent, he opened it in the morning to find a farmer who had died of starvation. The moment seared itself into his memory.
Prabowo realized even more clearly that security, peace, access to water, knowledge, technology, and guaranteed crop purchases were vital for farmers.
His resolve strengthened: Indonesia must be peaceful and united; any new form of colonization must be prevented; no Indonesian should go hungry.
Hence, food self-sufficiency is not merely an economic goal, but a matter of national pride and a source of true happiness.
This is why, during the National Harvest Festival in Majalengka on April 7, 2025, President Prabowo used the word “happiness” six times.
He remembered the sacrifices of farmers.
He rejoiced in seeing their smiles, the abundance of harvest, and the people’s spirit rising.
An event scheduled for one hour turned into two, as the President was deeply moved, sharing emotional moments with the farmers.
Now, for the first time since independence, Indonesia’s government rice reserves have reached 4.23 million tons—the highest in history—achieved within the first eight months of President Prabowo’s leadership.
President Prabowo even ordered 10,000 tons of rice to be sent to the still-occupied people of Palestine, personally delivered by Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture to their Palestinian counterpart.
He also commanded a total overhaul of the fertilizer distribution system, removing regulations that had burdened farmers for years.
Now, fertilizer is easier to access, and rice prices benefit farmers.
President Prabowo urged that this momentum be maintained. As of July 4, 2025, domestic rice and grain absorption reached 2.66 million tons.
Earlier, the President had launched Indonesia’s first corn export shipment from Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, to Malaysia.
Indonesia has begun to feed the world.
His concern is not only about food, but also water—life’s essential element.
As Defense Minister, Prabowo ordered the Defense University to conduct research and on-the-ground action to discover water sources in drought-stricken areas.
In 2023, he traveled to Werwaru Village, Moa Island, Southwest Maluku, to inaugurate 16 clean water wells—a powerful message that the state must be present, even in the most remote places.
President Prabowo’s love for farmers and water was shaped by family history and lived experience.
“Nature as the ultimate teacher.”
More than photo-ops, Prabowo has lived among the hardworking people.
That shared struggle remains etched in him, evident in the tremor of his voice when he fulfilled his promise to raise judges’ salaries on June 12, 2025.
“You, the judges, are the last bastion of justice. The poor and powerless can only rely on honest, incorruptible judges,” said President Prabowo, holding back tears.
His love for the little people also inspired programs like rakyat schools, Red-and-White village cooperatives, school revitalization, free nutritious meals, and free health check-ups for all Indonesians.
To President Prabowo, farmers are not only the frontline defenders of food.
They contributed to Indonesia’s fight for independence. Now, it is time they live in dignity and joy—and that vision is becoming a reality.
But behind these achievements lie major challenges: corruption, abuse of power, food cartels, disinformation, slander, and hate. The government, as we see now, is taking action against these forces that harm farmers and the common people.
President Prabowo believes these issues can be overcome through unity within the red-and-white cabinet, support from local governments, and the prayers and participation of the Indonesian people.
President Prabowo also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued criticism, advice, and love that strengthen the nation’s journey.
This is just the first nine months of his presidency—there is much more to fix and to build.
Let us continue to safeguard peace and move forward, together with Indonesia.
Thank you.
