Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto said all correctional institutions and state detention centers in Indonesia have been encouraged to utilize empty land to support the government's food security program.
Agus made the statement during a press conference after reviewing the food security program on Nusakambangan Island, Cilacap Regency, Central Java, Saturday with Chairperson of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives Siti Hediati Hariyadi or Titiek Soeharto.
"All prisons and detention centers utilize any idle land available on their premises to optimize it to support food security programs, especially to meet internal needs," he said.
According to Agus, the land can be utilized to meet food needs in prisons and detention centers. He stated that this effort is being undertaken, among other things, to prevent food inflation.
By fulfilling basic needs in prisons and detention centers, such as eggs, Agus hopes that correctional institutions will not put additional pressure on market supply, which could potentially lead to increases in the price of these commodities.
"We also ask prison and detention center officials in Indonesia to prepare for the need for eggs in prisons and detention centers to stabilize prices and prevent us from contributing to inflation. That's our goal," he said.
Agus conveyed that various inputs, evaluations, and directions from the Chairperson of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives and his entourage during the working visit would be followed up as part of efforts to improve the ongoing program.
On that occasion, Titiek Soeharto highlighted Nusakambangan's transformation from a notoriously isolated island to a food security hub. She called Minister Agus's policy a creative step.
"If only the cabinet was filled with people like Mr. Agus, perhaps the President (Prabowo Subianto) could sleep peacefully," he said.
According to him, the transformation that occurred on Nusakambangan Island is proof that food security can be achieved in any sector, including ministries related to correctional facilities.
"We also urge the ministries involved in food security to work even harder to achieve the President's and all our goals," he said.
