President Prabowo Suggests Citizens Grow Their Own Rice Amid High Prices

President Prabowo Subianto has defended the welfare of farmers in response to public complaints about the high price of rice. He suggested that citizens who consider the price of rice too expensive should try planting paddy themselves to understand the challenges faced by farmers in producing food. Prabowo's remarks were made during a synchronized rice harvest event across Indonesia, which he led alongside the TNI on Friday (17/7/2026). In his address, Prabowo expressed his appreciation for farmers, whom he deemed heroes for maintaining national food availability. "I am proud of Indonesian farmers. I am also grateful to Indonesian fishermen. You are the true heroes because you produce food for the entire nation," he said. Amidst this appreciation, Prabowo responded to criticisms regarding the price of rice, which is considered expensive by some members of the public. "If anyone says the price of rice is too high, please grow your own paddy," he asserted. Prabowo believes that farmers are entitled to a decent income for their hard work in producing food for the community. Therefore, he stated, it is inappropriate to ask farmers to continue selling their harvests at low prices without considering their welfare. "If farmers are not allowed to earn a decent income, then just ask them to farm themselves," Prabowo remarked. The President even mentioned that the government is ready to assist citizens who want to farm by providing land through various programs. "The TNI will prepare the land. The Minister of Agriculture will also prepare the land," he said. On this occasion, Prabowo also affirmed that the government continues to strengthen the agricultural sector as the foundation of national self-reliance. He stated that the target for food self-sufficiency is beginning to show results. "Alhamdulillah, we have begun to achieve our food self-sufficiency target," said Prabowo. According to him, the success in achieving food security is inseparable from the role of farmers who continue to work to meet national food needs. Therefore, Prabowo once again invited all citizens to give due penghargaan to farmers as the parties who maintain Indonesia's food security. "Once again, I am proud of the farmers, I am proud of the TNI, and I am proud of the Polri," Prabowo concluded. Read the latest and most trusted news on Berita Liputan6