Not long after the Russia-Ukraine war, the world was shocked by the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel. Some observers estimate that the new conflict between Iran and Israel may potentially trigger World War III.
Although the conflict does not directly impact Indonesia, several observers believe it will disrupt trade distribution routes supplying various needs and economies of different countries. Iran is known as an oil-producing country, which will undoubtedly affect oil prices worldwide.
“The rise in oil prices will certainly cause a domino effect on various economic sectors. Before that, we remember that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted fertilizer supplies, leading to a scarcity of fertilizers in various countries, including Indonesia,” said Dr. Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho, an observer in agriculture, agrometeorology, environmental science, and climate change at UGM, on Monday (Apr. 22).
He predicts that the latest war between Iran and Israel will create turmoil or new conflicts globally, which will undoubtedly affect the world economy, including its potential impact on Indonesia.
He also agrees with other observers that this war will not directly affect Indonesia. Nevertheless, it will have indirect impacts.
“If there is an increase in oil prices, it will certainly affect logistics supply, which will affect commodity prices in Indonesia, including the food and agricultural sectors,” he said.
However, he encourages viewing this global conflict positively. This situation is a moment to be self-reliant, not dependent on other countries. Domestic food availability is highly expected to be ensured because it is crucial for a nation.
The community should see that meeting food needs should not solely rely on farmers but should also be the responsibility of each household or individual.
Therefore, each household or individual can use small and vacant lands to plant crops or other agro commodities such as livestock or fish (urban farming).
“Besides urban farming, we also hope for the government through its programs to increase productivity and improve the welfare of farmers,” he said.
He says the current global situation inevitably requires Indonesia to meet its food needs independently. The government and society must prepare for sustainable food self-sufficiency, and one solution is to establish technology-based agricultural ecosystems.
The agricultural ecosystem is an integrated system with assured or available components in one location or village. Firstly, inputs are provided with agreed-upon ecosystem products.
Secondly, agricultural banking and insurance are available to provide loan platforms or credit for farmers, and thirdly, technology is provided and available for farmers to use, both in the fields and digital technology for selling farmers’ products.
The sustainability of the ecosystem must be ensured, with facilitators provided, in this case, the local agricultural department. Off-takers guarantee that farmers’ harvests can be fully absorbed at a fair price, and seventh, the role of farmers or farmer groups as implementers in the ecosystem.
“Hopefully, with collaboration programs between farmers, private sectors, academics, and the government, we can achieve food self-sufficiency and no longer depend on the current conflict or the absence of conflict in the world,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Prokaltim