Prabowo Orders Sugarcane Farm Rejuvenation Completed in Two Years

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that the national sugarcane farm rejuvenation program, initially planned for four years, be completed within two years. This directive aims to address the 12-year backlog in sugarcane cultivation and bolster domestic sugar production capacity. President Prabowo was informed of the situation by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, who expressed confidence in completing the task within the accelerated two-year timeframe. The President approved the acceleration but also emphasized the importance of the health of the personnel involved. The rejuvenation program targets 100,000 hectares of sugarcane land annually. This acceleration is expected to increase domestic sugar supply. Furthermore, President Prabowo linked sugarcane rejuvenation with ethanol development. The government plans to build at least 30 ethanol plants to support the expanded use of E10 to E20 blended gasoline, contributing to renewable energy sources and energy self-sufficiency. On the same occasion, Air Force Commander General Agus Subiyanto reported that the Air Force had assisted in 236,048 hectares of sugarcane land during the 2026 harvest season. This is estimated to yield 18.386 million tons of sugarcane, equivalent to 1.36 million tons of sugar, potentially contributing 45.05 percent to the national sugar target for 2026. The Indonesian sugarcane industry plays a multifaceted role, encompassing domestic consumption, exports, and ethanol production for biofuels. Years of underinvestment and stagnant cultivation techniques have led to reduced productivity and increased import reliance. President Prabowo's directive is seen as a significant step towards comprehensive reform in this sector.