Vice Minister Explores Industry-Driven Women’s Community Garden Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Cikarang: The Indonesian government explores collaboration linking women-managed community gardens with processing industries. Vice Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan made the statement in Cikarang, West Java, Wednesday, 26 February 2026.

The Ministry seeks market certainty for women farmers. Community gardens are encouraged to follow industrial demand patterns. This approach aims to ensure sustainable absorption of harvests.

The ministry highlights women’s strength in managing productive land. Many women cultivate high-value crops across several regions. Their harvests are expected to meet consistent industrial needs.

Moreover, Vice Minister Veronica Tan also emphasized the importance of industry involvement. She said link and match between farmers and companies must be strengthened. This partnership is expected to build a sustainable ecosystem.

She explained her observations from previous field visits. She underlined the need for long-term market access. The government wants harvests fully absorbed by processing companies.

"When I visited several community gardens across Indonesia, I saw the strength of women in managing high-value crops. We want their harvests to be sustainably absorbed by the market. That is why, we are exploring collaboration to connect community gardens with raw material processing companies so there is a clear link and match between what is planted and what the industry needs. I am confident there is great hope for this," Veronica Tan said.

She added that industrial ecosystems can mutually benefit farmers and companies. Industry can act as an off-taker committed to purchasing production. Companies also educate farmers on quality standards and post-harvest management.

The Indonesian government has coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Forestry. Business sector involvement is expected to guarantee stronger market absorption. The model is projected to support food security and local economic resilience.

Meanwhile, CEO of PT Haldin Pacific Semesta, Alisjahbana Haliman said the company sources raw materials directly from communities. The company empowers local farmers through sustainable principles. It also promotes environmentally friendly practices and knowledge improvement.