Chairperson of Commission IV Urges Garlic Production Boost To Cut Imports

RRI.CO.ID Lombok - Chairperson of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Soeharto, along with National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, led the simultaneous garlic planting across 14 Regional Police, a grand harvest, and the groundbreaking of the Polri Food Security Warehouse in Sembalun, East Lombok, NTB, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence and restore Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in garlic.

Four Ministers joined to support national program, are Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman, and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir. The presence of ministries, local governments, farmer groups, and stakeholders underscores the central government’s commitment to strengthening strategic national food production.

Titiek Hediati appreciated the collaboration and reminded that Indonesia once achieved garlic self-sufficiency. She stressed that the simultaneous planting must mark the start of a consistent and sustainable movement, not just a ceremonial activity. Self-sufficiency requires ministries, regional governments, Polri, businesses, and farmer groups to act according to their respective roles.

Polri and partners have verified 2,593.1 hectares across 17 Regional Police. A total of 927.6 hectares have been planted with a projected yield of 9,276 tons, involving 117 farmer groups and 2,257 farmers. On 19 August 2026, simultaneous planting covered 279.5 hectares in 59 Police Precincts across 14 Regional Police, involving 110 farmer groups and 2,174 farmers, with potential production of 2,795 tons. NTB, South Sumatra, and West Java had the largest areas.

Titiek emphasized that production must be supported by a strong ecosystem from upstream to downstream. This includes superior seeds, fertilizer, agricultural machinery, financing, technology, mentoring, and guaranteed markets and prices. Without clear market absorption, farmers will lack incentives to continue garlic cultivation sustainably.

In Sembalun, a grand harvest was held on 105 hectares by 9 farmer groups and 287 farmers with potential output of 1,050 tons. The groundbreaking of a 250 m² warehouse with 300-ton capacity was also conducted to maintain quality and distribution. Machinery support included 90 hand tractors, 1 four-wheel tractor, 24 water pumps, and 17 tons of fertilizer from Polri, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Pupuk Indonesia.

With national demand at 600,000 tons per year and domestic production only 34,000–40,000 tons, imports still account for 90–95%. Titiek urged a measurable self-sufficiency roadmap, strengthening centers like Sembalun and developing new ones. Commission IV will provide oversight. The Police Chief said this follows President Prabowo’s directive for Indonesia to achieve food independence amid global uncertainty.

Source : Humas Polri