Jakarta, IO – The award was conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) director-general Qu Dongyu at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (30/8). The UN special agency whose mission is to combat hunger and improve nutrition and food security acknowledges his initiatives to improve Indonesia’s food security.
“I highly appreciate the awarding of the Agricola Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization. I am deeply honored,” said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, as per Kompas.
According to Jokowi, food is the most basic necessity for humans. Thus, his administration has continued to pursue food sovereignty and self-sufficiency as well as ensuring its availability and affordability in the market.
“Food security has always remained one of the government’s top priorities, especially as we are facing a plethora of uncertainties in the world,” said Jokowi.
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“I am grateful that the agricultural sector in Indonesia was still able to grow by 1.7 percent during the pandemic. In 2023, it contributed 12.5 percent to the national GDP. This achievement was the result of cross-sectoral efforts in bolstering food security.”
Jokowi went on to say that he dedicated the award to all farmers, and everyone who has actively contributed to developing the agricultural sector. (un)