inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) assessed that the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (INP), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo is a key figure behind the acceleration of the Food Self-Sufficiency program of the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto administration.

Zulhas said that the role of Chief Sigit is not only symbolic, but strategic in bridging cross-sector synergy to realize one of the main agendas of Astacita.

The involvement of INP in the corn planting program in various regions, said Zulhas, is real evidence that the food security sector is now a cross-institutional priority, not only technical ministries.

With the support of the Chief of Police, according to him, food distribution and production are running faster and more effectively.

"We are trying to achieve all sectors to be self-sufficient. Thank you very much General Sigit for everything, and among others is your support in planting corn," he said.

Zulhas also touched on the dynamics of rice prices that have been detrimental to farmers due to Bulog's purchasing regulations. When he served as Minister of Trade, the price of rice was only IDR 4,450.00 because it was limited by presidential regulations.

After revising and communicating with various parties, including INP,  the price of rice has now reached IDR 6,500.00 per kilogram.

However, he admitted that it was not easy to control the middlemen and mills who often bought below the benchmark price from the farmers. In this case, Zulhas re-emphasized the role of the Chief of Police.

Zulhas further assessed that the involvement of the Chief of Police in the food program reflects the collaborative leadership model promoted by President Prabowo.

Not only in the food sector, he also appreciates the regular presence of the Chief of Police in various community, student, and youth organization activities.

"Almost all the agendas of Islamic mass organizations, students, youth, General Sigit were there. Whether it's HMI, Ansor, PMII, Muhammadiyah, he comes to all of them. I, as a civil servant, am even feel embarrassed as I am often absent to these agendas," he concluded.

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