Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Saleh Mustafa is encouraging young people to take an active role in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector through the adoption of technology, digitalization, and innovative farming practices to achieve sustainable national food sovereignty.

The call was delivered by Saleh at the Indonesian Youth Consultation Forum (Forum Rembuk Pemuda Indonesia), as confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He emphasized the importance of farmer regeneration and improving human resource capabilities across the agricultural sector.

“To achieve food sustainability and sovereignty, the role of young people is extremely strategic. They are the creators of technological modernization and food digitalization, as well as the innovators of agricultural cultivation,” Saleh said.

According to him, youth participation is essential in addressing challenges facing the national agricultural sector, including climate change, the threat of global food crises, and rapid technological developments.

The government expects young people to accelerate the transformation of agriculture into a more modern, productive, efficient, and attractive sector for future generations.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Promotes Technology-Driven and Digital Agriculture

Saleh Mustafa emphasized that agriculture must move beyond the traditional perception of farming as physically demanding and labor-intensive work.

Technological advancements are creating opportunities for young people to introduce innovations across agricultural production, land management, and agribusiness activities.

“Agriculture no longer needs to be associated with conventional work that is dirty and exhausting. Instead, it can be transformed through the adoption of technology, digitalization, and innovation,” he said.

The adoption of technology is expected to increase productivity while creating more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems.

According to Saleh, young people have the potential to become key drivers of modernization through technological development and innovative farming practices.

Their involvement is also essential to building an agricultural sector capable of adapting to changing times and evolving national food requirements.

Agricultural Workforce Grows 4.66% in 2026

Deputy Minister Saleh revealed that Indonesia's agricultural workforce recorded positive growth throughout 2026.

According to the figures he presented, employment in the agricultural sector increased by 4.66%.

The growth is expected to provide momentum for expanding youth participation, particularly among millennials, in national agricultural development.

“The agricultural workforce has also increased. Going forward, I hope more of these workers will come from the millennial generation,” Saleh said.

Nevertheless, the increase in employment needs to be accompanied by farmer regeneration and stronger human resource competencies.

The participation of millennials is expected to introduce new approaches to agricultural business management through technology, innovation, and improved production efficiency.

The government is also encouraging efforts to make agriculture more attractive to younger generations to ensure the sustainability of the workforce and national food production.

Climate Change and Global Food Crises Pose Challenges to Agriculture

Beyond promoting agricultural modernization, Saleh stressed the importance of strengthening Indonesia’s ability to anticipate threats to national food security.

Key challenges include global food crises, geopolitical developments, and climate change, all of which could affect agricultural production.

He noted that the ability to assess current conditions, understand past developments, and anticipate potential risks is essential for formulating effective agricultural policies.

Saleh also highlighted the importance of agricultural intelligence as a tool for analyzing historical trends, evaluating current conditions, and predicting potential future threats.

This approach is necessary to help the government and agricultural stakeholders prepare preventive measures before risks affect food production.

Climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña are also major concerns because they can disrupt planting patterns, water availability, and agricultural productivity.

Government Strengthens Climate Adaptation Through Planting Expansion and Infrastructure

In response to climate change, Deputy Minister Saleh emphasized the importance of implementing adaptation strategies that take environmental conditions into account.

The government is promoting several initiatives to maintain food production, including expanding additional planting areas through the Luas Tambah Tanam (LTT) program, optimizing water pump utilization, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.

These measures are intended to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while maintaining the continuity of agricultural production.

“To strengthen food security, we must not fight against nature. We must adapt to nature,” he emphasized.

According to Saleh, adjusting agricultural strategies to environmental conditions is essential to maintaining national food security and sovereignty.

Young people's involvement through technological innovation is also expected to support the implementation of these adaptation strategies across agricultural regions.

Young Generation Encouraged to Drive Indonesia’s Food Sovereignty

Deputy Minister Saleh Mustafa called on young people to view agriculture as both an opportunity to contribute to national development and a meaningful field of service to society.

He emphasized that agricultural progress depends not only on increasing production but also on developing human resource capabilities to drive innovation and address future challenges.

Young people are expected to contribute to technological modernization, food digitalization, innovative farming practices, and the development of productive agricultural businesses.

“Make our lives meaningful by benefiting others. May Indonesian agriculture achieve sovereignty, and may Indonesia become a just, prosperous, and thriving nation,” Saleh said.

Through greater youth participation, stronger human resource development, and technology adoption, the government expects Indonesia’s agricultural transformation to support sustainable national food sovereignty.

Conclusion 

Indonesia’s agricultural transformation will depend on the active participation of younger generations, supported by technological innovation, digitalization, and stronger human resource development. As climate change and global food security challenges continue to affect agricultural production, modern farming practices and adaptive strategies will be essential. By encouraging youth involvement and accelerating technology adoption, Indonesia aims to build a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural sector while strengthening national food sovereignty.

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