RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Poland are advancing discussions on agricultural cooperation, viewing collaboration in technology, investment, and sustainable resource development as key to bolstering food security and productivity amid global challenges.

The initiative was highlighted during a meeting between Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, and Poland’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Małgorzata Gromadzka, at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Sudaryono emphasized that Indonesia is committed to strengthening international partnerships in agriculture as a strategic measure to safeguard food supplies.

He noted that Indonesia’s open stance toward cooperation includes leveraging opportunities from the free trade agreement with the European Union to reinforce the national food system.

“Indonesia is a non-aligned country and we cooperate with everyone. This includes trade in exports and imports, as well as investment opportunities,” Sudaryono said, as quoted by Antara.

He stressed that in the face of global pressures -- ranging from conflicts and wars to supply chain disruptions -- bilateral cooperation must move beyond general commitments to concrete actions, such as opening market access, simplifying technical procedures, and strengthening agricultural investment and research.

During the talks, both countries examined opportunities and challenges in trading key commodities. Poland expressed interest in exporting beef, dairy products, wheat, and berries, while Indonesia underscored the importance of meeting health standards, veterinary certification, and audit processes before opening market access.

Indonesia also signaled caution regarding poultry imports, citing biosecurity concerns and the need to protect domestic production, though opportunities remain open for other commodities that meet technical requirements and market needs.

Sudaryono reiterated that agriculture is not merely about trade but directly tied to food availability for citizens. “Agriculture means food. It is about how we secure food for Indonesia, and how countries like Poland also safeguard food for their people,” he said.

Both sides agreed to establish a technical working group to accelerate trade protocols, particularly for beef and dairy products. The mechanism is expected to streamline audits, align standards, and enable direct trade once requirements are fulfilled.

The cooperation framework will also expand through business-to-business meetings, investment exploration, and potential memorandums of understanding to strengthen long-term collaboration.

Gromadzka welcomed the initiative, noting that Indonesia and Poland have complementary agricultural strengths.

“I am very pleased to visit Indonesia and discuss agricultural products. We are working together on agricultural exchanges,” she said, adding that Poland’s strategic position as a gateway to the European market enhances the potential of bilateral cooperation.

She expressed hope that the partnership would not only increase trade volumes but also foster balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial relations, particularly in addressing the growing complexity of global food challenges. ***