Collaboration Strengthens Food, Water, and Energy Security in Kulon Progo

RRI.CO.ID. Jakarta - Adaptive leadership and cross-sector collaboration are key to addressing development challenges. This was highlighted during the National Leadership Visitation (VKN) in Kulon Progo, Jogjakarta, August 4-8, 2026. VKN is part of the National Leadership Education (PKN) program, attended by senior officials from ministries, agencies, and local governments.

The delegation was led by Setia Budi, Facilitator of the National Leadership Education Program. The visit focused on strategies, innovations, and governance practices in Kulon Progo. The region faces complex challenges including climate change, drought, agricultural land conversion, and energy needs. The local government responds through collaboration, data utilization, innovation, and strengthening community participation.

In the food sector, Kulon Progo promotes diversification through Women Farmers’ Groups (KWT) and optimizing home gardens. Local commodities such as cassava, sweet potato, taro, and aloe vera are processed into value-added products. The government also provides training, facilitates household industry licensing (PIRT), and partners with universities.

For water security, the regency integrates environmental conservation with irrigation management. Efforts include reforestation of spring catchment areas, rainwater harvesting, communal reservoirs, and early warning systems. In agriculture, there are crop scheduling, strengthening of Water Users’ Farmers Associations (P3A), Pump Brigades, small dams, and piped irrigation.

Food, water, and energy security are interconnected. To address this, Kulon Progo launched "Limasan Tani" or Electricity for Agricultural Areas to support water pumps. The program aims to reduce production costs and expand farmland that previously lacked electricity access.

Digital transformation is also part of the strategy. The Online Monitoring System (Onlimo) is used to monitor water quality in real time. A digital agriculture application supports data management and farmer services. Communities are involved through environmental reporting to enable participatory oversight.

Andre Notohamijoyo, VKN participant from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, said Kulon Progo is a good example. He emphasized that regional development requires leaders who are responsive, collaborative, and anticipatory. Synergy between government, universities, businesses, communities, and media is essential to ensure sustainable programs for food, water, and energy security.

Source : Press Realise - the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.