In 1930, Indonesia was the world’s second-largest sugar exporter after Cuba. However, since 1967, the country has become the largest sugar importer.
Recognizing the urgency of sugar self-sufficiency, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has partnered with PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN) to strengthen food sovereignty by launching the Sugar Cane Learning Center.
This center serves as a training and innovation hub to enhance the local sugarcane sector, which plays a vital role in the national sugar industry.
The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Jaka Widada, stated that UGM is committed to supporting the sugar self-sufficiency program and national food security through this collaboration.
“Enhancing agricultural productivity through innovation and education is a tangible step that can lead Indonesia toward self-reliance in the food sector while also ensuring the welfare of local sugarcane farmers,” said Dr. Widada during the 78th-anniversary report of the faculty on Friday (Sep. 27) at the Professor Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium.
According to the dean, the 78th anniversary marks an important moment in supporting sugar self-sufficiency and national energy security amid the challenges of climate change and global food uncertainty.
Mahmudi, President and Director of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN) mentioned that Indonesia could achieve sugar self-sufficiency if sugarcane productivity could be increased from 5 tons to 8 tons per hectare, which is still only half of Indonesia’s productivity level in 1930.
“SGN, along with UGM and the Ministry of Agriculture, has held extensive discussions regarding steps to strengthen the local sugarcane ecosystem, which includes technological innovation, enhancing farmers’ capacity, and optimizing land use,” he explained.
Strengthening the local sugarcane ecosystem is necessary to achieve sugar self-sufficiency by 2028. This aligns with Presidential Regulation No. 40 of 2023, which serves as a roadmap for sugar self-sufficiency.
“The main role of PTPN is to strengthen the local sugarcane ecosystem, as 65% of the raw sugar materials come from local farmers. The key to success in strengthening this ecosystem is ensuring farmers’ welfare,” Mahmudi noted.
He added that the anniversary marked a critical moment to support sugar self-sufficiency and national energy security amidst climate change and global food uncertainty.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia, in her speech during the Open Senate Meeting for the Faculty of Agriculture’s 78th Anniversary, emphasized the importance of modern agricultural innovation in meeting strategic food needs and supporting society’s welfare.
“Innovation in the agricultural sector has now become an urgent necessity. I hope this event can serve as a moment of reflection and renewed spirit in realizing sovereign and self-sufficient Indonesian agriculture,” Professor Emilia stated.
Author: Rahma
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif