Eps 735 | PETANI SENGAJA DIBUAT MISKIN? APA TUJUANNYA?

Summary

Guru Gembul discusses the alarming loss of rice fields on the island of Java in Indonesia, predicting a future where agriculture is largely replaced by non-agricultural developments. The video critiques the government's neglect of farmers' welfare, highlighting their poor earnings despite their critical role in food production. It also points out the country's increasing dependency on imported agricultural products due to geopolitical challenges, urging the need for better policies and respect for farmers to secure Indonesia's food sovereignty and future prosperity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The prediction that rice paddies in Java will disappear in the next 50 years due to land conversion is a cause for concern.
• 😀 Farmlands are being increasingly repurposed for urban development, sports facilities, and other non-agricultural uses.
• 😀 Indonesia loses approximately 150,000 hectares of rice fields annually, while only about 60,000 hectares are developed in new areas like Sulawesi and Papua.
• 😀 The average Indonesian farmer's income is very low, with some earning as little as Rp 430,000 per month, far below the national average.
• 😀 Many young people are leaving farming because the profession is no longer financially viable, especially with increasing land conversions and low incomes.
• 😀 Indonesia is heavily dependent on fertilizer imports, with significant supplies coming from countries like Russia, China, and Canada, which poses a national security risk.
• 😀 There is a growing concern that Indonesia's agricultural sector is becoming unsustainable, leading to increased reliance on imported rice.
• 😀 Government policies, including fertilizer subsidies, are not sufficient to address the problems farmers face, particularly in light of external shocks like the war in Ukraine.
• 😀 The composition of Indonesia’s legislative body (with many members coming from business backgrounds) results in policies that favor big businesses over small farmers.
• 😀 Despite being an agrarian country, Indonesia's agricultural sector is poorly supported, making food sovereignty increasingly difficult to achieve.
• 😀 The speaker urges the government to take more meaningful action to protect farmers and agricultural land to ensure food security in the future.

Q & A

What was the prediction made by Pak Kundarto ten years ago about the future of rice fields in Java?

Pak Kundarto predicted that within 50 years, rice fields would disappear from Java, primarily due to the conversion of agricultural land into other uses such as housing, sports facilities, and commercial spaces.

How is the loss of rice paddies impacting the agricultural situation in Indonesia?

The loss of rice paddies is leading to a decline in food security in Indonesia, as the country is increasingly dependent on imports for rice and other agricultural products. This has the potential to create a long-term food crisis.

What are the main reasons behind the decline in rice fields on the island of Java?

The main reasons for the decline are the conversion of agricultural land into residential areas, sports complexes, and other commercial developments, coupled with the government's lack of regulations to prevent such changes.

How much rice does a 1,000 m² plot of land produce in a year, according to the speaker?

A 1,000 m² plot of rice field produces approximately 800 kg of rice per harvest. With three harvests per year, this amounts to a total of about 2,400 kg of rice annually.

What is the estimated income for a farmer cultivating 1,000 m² of rice field?

A farmer with 1,000 m² of rice field could earn around 5.6 million IDR per harvest, and potentially 16.8 million IDR annually. However, after deducting expenses for maintenance, fertilizers, and pesticides, the net income is about 8 to 9 million IDR per year, or approximately 750,000 IDR per month.

Why is the average income of Indonesian farmers much lower than the national average?

The average income of Indonesian farmers is much lower than the national average because farming is a high-risk profession with unpredictable outcomes, and the returns on investment are low. Farmers also face challenges like the rising cost of fertilizers and limited support from the government.

How does the government's approach to agriculture, such as the food estate program, affect rice farming in Java?

While the government is working on food estate projects in regions like Sulawesi and Papua, the program does not address the specific challenges faced by farmers in Java. There is no new rice field development in Java, leading to a gap in food production.

What role does political representation play in the challenges faced by Indonesian farmers?

Indonesian farmers lack adequate political representation in the parliament. Most lawmakers come from business or political elite backgrounds, which means farming issues are not given priority, and policies often do not reflect the needs of farmers.

What was the impact of the war in Ukraine on Indonesia’s agricultural sector?

The war in Ukraine disrupted the supply of raw materials for fertilizers, as Indonesia relies heavily on countries like Russia and Ukraine for fertilizer production. This has contributed to a shortage of subsidized fertilizers, further straining the agricultural sector.

How does the reliance on foreign countries for fertilizers affect Indonesia's food sovereignty?

Indonesia's dependence on foreign countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, for fertilizers undermines the country's food sovereignty. Despite being an agrarian nation, Indonesia faces challenges in securing essential resources for its own agricultural needs, which compromises its ability to produce food sustainably.

What is the speaker's critique of the government's agricultural policies?

The speaker critiques the government's agricultural policies for failing to protect farmers and promote food security. Despite being an agrarian country, Indonesia's agricultural policies are seen as inefficient, with little focus on long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.