Agricultural Crisis in Indonesia: Major Challenges in Maintaining Food Security Introduction

Agriculture is a vital sector in the Indonesian economy, serving as the main source of food for a significant portion of the population and as a livelihood for many families. However, this sector faces numerous serious challenges that threaten its sustainability. This paper will discuss several key issues confronting agriculture in Indonesia, including the shrinking agricultural land due to urbanization, declining numbers of young farmers, economic disparities among farmers reflected in low Farmer Exchange Rates (NTP), and threats from pests, extreme weather, and difficulties in accessing water and fertilizer. 

• Shrinking Agricultural Land Due to Urbanization

As urbanization and infrastructure development progress rapidly in Indonesia, agricultural land has increasingly been converted into non-agricultural areas, negatively impacting national food security. Research indicates that the total area of agricultural land in Indonesia has declined significantly over the past decade. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) confirm this trend (Sihombing et al., 2021; , Dewi & Rudiarto, 2013). Such shrinking of agricultural land restricts domestic food production, potentially forcing Indonesia to increase food imports, creating an unhealthy dependency for food security (Salasa, 2021).

• Declining Numbers of Young Farmers

Human resource issues in the agricultural sector are also of serious concern. Data reveal that only 9% of farmers belong to the productive age group (19-40 years), while the majority are over 50 years old (Piran et al., 2019). The decrease in the younger generation's interest in agriculture can be attributed to several factors, including negative perceptions of future job prospects in this sector and low welfare (Abidin, 2024). If these trends continue, Indonesia may face a deeper agricultural labor crisis (Sinaga et al., 2022).

• Economic Disparities Among Farmers and Low Farmer Exchange Rates (NTP)

The welfare of farmers in Indonesia remains inadequate, as evidenced by fluctuating Farmer Exchange Rates (NTP) which indicate that their income is not proportional to production costs (Harini et al., 2022). The NTP in April 2024 was reported at 116.79, showcasing the difficulties farmers face in making a profit from their agricultural outputs (Saliem & Ariani, 2016). The average income of farmers, around IDR 5.3 million annually, along with complex distribution chains and dependency on middlemen, exacerbates their economic condition (Sihombing, 2022).

• Threats from Pets, Extreme Weather, and Difficulties in Accessing Water and Fertilizers

External factors, such as pest infestations and climate change, worsen the situation faced by farmers. Crop failures due to pests like planthoppers and caterpillars, as well as diseases affecting plants, are significant issues (Harini et al., 2022). Climate change has resulted in extreme weather phenomena, leading to floods and droughts that adversely affect agricultural output. Moreover, difficulties in obtaining irrigation water and quality fertilizers further complicate matters, as high fertilizer prices and uneven distribution create additional burdens for farmers (Sihombing, 2022; , Neilson & Wright, 2017).

Conclusion

The agricultural crisis in Indonesia is a multidimensional challenge that requires urgent attention and integrated policymaking. The shrinking of land due to urbanization, declining involvement of young farmers, economic imbalances, and threats from external factors necessitate strategic solutions, such as agrarian reform, incentives for young farmers, and the development of agricultural technologies. Government support in the distribution of fertilizers and irrigation is also critical to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance national food security (Astuti, 2023; , Hartati et al., 2024).

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