RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The agricultural sector continues to demonstrate strong potential as a driver of the national economy and a source of high‑value export products. The government is encouraging the younger generation to strengthen the competitiveness of flagship commodities through modern, technology‑based farming.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said more young entrepreneurs must be supported to expand exports of flagship products.

“If agriculture is managed in an advanced and professional manner, I am optimistic that more major entrepreneurs will emerge from Indonesia’s agricultural sector,” Minister Amran said at the inauguration and first national working meeting of the Indonesian Farmers’ Entrepreneurs Association (PTI) in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The ministry also urged PTI to utilize productive land, establish technology‑based demonstration zones, and accelerate the regeneration of the farming workforce.

Minister Amran emphasized that the government is ready to collaborate with PTI through mentoring, adopting modern technology, and developing demonstration zones. This is expected to boost productivity while strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in global markets.

He identified character, discipline, and risk‑taking as key foundations for building sustainable agribusiness. Losses, he noted, are part of the learning process toward success.

“If you want to become an entrepreneur, you must be prepared to take losses first, for at least five to ten years. Once you turn a profit, the returns can increase exponentially. Accepting losses means you’re ready to become a conglomerate,” he said.

Minister Amran pointed out that nearly 80 percent of Indonesia’s conglomerates operate in agriculture. “This shows that agriculture is a promising sector if managed with hard work, innovation, and the courage to take risks,” he said. ***