MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), emphasized that Indonesia's food sovereignty agenda represents a tangible implementation of Al-Ma'un Theology, a core teaching introduced by Muhammadiyah founder KH Ahmad Dahlan.
Speaking at the 109th Anniversary Celebration of 'Aisyiyah and the Launching Ceremony of the 49th Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah Congress in Medan, North Sumatra, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, Zulkifli Hasan—widely known as Zulhas—highlighted the importance of food sovereignty as a manifestation of social responsibility and national independence.
The event was attended by approximately 1,000 members of 'Aisyiyah from across North Sumatra.
Food Sovereignty and Social ResponsibilityIn his remarks, Zulhas stated that Al-Ma'un Theology extends beyond religious rituals and places strong emphasis on social justice, compassion, and support for disadvantaged communities, including the poor and orphans.
According to him, these principles are reflected in the government's current policies, particularly efforts to strengthen food security and national self-sufficiency. The objective is to ensure that economic growth directly benefits the people, especially farmers.
"The food sovereignty policy promoted by President Prabowo Subianto is a concrete implementation of Al-Ma'un Theology," Zulhas said.
STRENGTHENING NATIONAL FOOD SOVEREIGNTY: Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), stated that promoting food sovereignty is a practical implementation of Al-Ma'un Theology and a strategic effort to improve farmers' welfare while enhancing Indonesia's food security. (PHOTO: Doc. Aisyiyah)
He warned that relying solely on free-market mechanisms in the food sector would leave Indonesia increasingly dependent on imports, limiting opportunities for local farmers to improve their welfare.
"If Indonesia continues to rely on a free-market food system, we will ultimately enrich farmers in other countries through imports. By strengthening food sovereignty, we empower Indonesian farmers instead. This is a reflection of national independence and dignity," he emphasized.
Zulhas added that increasing domestic food production is not merely an economic strategy but also an essential component of national resilience. Strong food self-sufficiency helps protect the country from global market disruptions and uncertainties in international supply chains.
Furthermore, food sovereignty creates new income opportunities for farmers, expands employment in the agricultural sector, and strengthens regional economies.
Commitment to Constitutional MandatesDuring the event, Zulhas reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates that the nation's natural resources be managed for the greatest prosperity of the people.
He noted that these constitutional principles align closely with Muhammadiyah's long-standing vision and contributions to nation-building.
According to Zulhas, national development requires not only strong economic policies but also the active participation of social and religious organizations in fostering social cohesion and strengthening national values.
He encouraged 'Aisyiyah to continue expanding its programs in education, women's empowerment, family development, and social welfare. Women, he said, play a strategic role in shaping a competitive and high-quality future generation.
AISYIYAH AS A PARTNER IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas), encouraged 'Aisyiyah to further strengthen its role through education and empowerment programs to support character building and improve public welfare. (PHOTO: Doc. Aisyiyah)
Rising Food Production Strengthens National SecurityZulhas also presented recent achievements in Indonesia's food sector, which have shown significant progress over the past year.
Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs indicate that national rice production reached more than 34.69 million tons in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 13.29 percent compared to the previous year.
Corn production also recorded positive growth. Indonesia produced 16.16 million tons of corn in 2025, an increase of around 6.74 percent from 2024 levels.
The rise in domestic production has significantly reduced the country's dependence on imports. According to government records, Indonesia imported neither consumption rice nor feed corn during 2025 and 2026.
Zulhas described the achievement as an important milestone toward sustainable national food security. The government, he said, remains committed to sustaining this positive trend through increased agricultural productivity, wider adoption of modern technology, infrastructure development, and continued support for farmers across the country.
In the long term, Indonesia aims not only to meet domestic food demand independently but also to strengthen its position as a sovereign nation in the food sector. Organizations such as Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah, he added, will remain strategic partners in advancing education, social development, and public welfare. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala