Jakarta, wapresri.go.id – The food and energy sectors are facing quite a challenge due to the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and global political dynamics. Therefore, in the future, alertness is needed in dealing with this situation, one of which is by building food security through local sources.

“Facing the uncertain global food situation, Indonesia must swiftly take the momentum to strengthen national food sovereignty. By optimizing the use of local food resources, Indonesia will be able to build its food security,” said the Vice President at the Opening of the 2022 Archipelago Food Event in the framework of the 42nd World Food Day, Saturday (22/10/2022).

Furthermore, the Vice President said that Indonesia’s local food resources were very diverse. Thus, the potential that is owned is certainly very large.

“Natural riches and abundant biodiversity are gifts from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala that we must manage wisely. We must continue to explore the potential of spices and the potential of local food that is different from Aceh to Papua, we must even restore its glory,” said the Vice President.

The Vice President then emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining food affordability for the entire community.

“The government must always be present in the community to provide peace and ensure the fulfillment of this food issue. Not only about availability, but also price affordability, diversity, accessibility, quality, and safety of consumption. The food consumed by the community must be diverse, nutritious, balanced, and safe,” said the Vice President.

Closing his remarks, the Vice President hoped that the commemoration of the 42nd World Food Day this time could be a moment of reminder that food needs are a human right that must be fulfilled.

“This 42nd World Food Day also voices food as a fundamental human right. World Food Day is observed every year to raise awareness that food plays an important role in the problem of poverty and hunger,” concluded the Vice President.

Previously, the Chancellor of Universitas Brawijaya Widodo conveyed the readiness of Universitas Brawijaya in supporting the realization of food sovereignty in Indonesia. This has started to be done at this university, starting from analysis of studies to agricultural development through artificial intelligence. He also hopes that in the future these efforts can contribute to creating food security in Indonesia.

“Once again I wish you a Happy 42nd World Food Day. Hopefully, we all will always be facilitated in terms of food in Indonesia, “he said.

Present at this event were the Deputy Governor of East Java Emil E. Dardak, Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi, Chancellor of Brawijaya University Widodo, Middle High Officials of the National Food Agency and heads of Provincial and Regency/City Food Offices both offline and in attendance. online.

Meanwhile, the Vice President was accompanied by the Head of the Vice Presidential Secretariat Ahmad Erani Yustika, Deputy for Economic Policy Support and Competitiveness Improvement Guntur Iman Nefianto, Deputy for Human Development Policy Support and Development Equity Suprayoga Hadi, and Special Staff for the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi. (DMA/LHS, BPMI – Setwapres)