President Prabowo Subianto inspected sugarcane production and bioethanol processing facilities at the Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang, East Java, on Friday. The visit highlighted a broader government strategy to integrate military-assisted agricultural development with energy security, as officials look to expand the use of sugarcane for fuel, fertilizer, and industrial products.
Integrated Sugarcane Ecosystems at Air Force Bases
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi identified the Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base as a model for “integrated sugarcane ecosystem development.” This initiative spans the entire supply chain, from upstream plantation management to downstream processing. The sugarcane grown on military-managed land is processed through a partnership between PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN) and Pertamina NRE.
Beyond sugar production, the processing plants convert sugarcane into bioethanol, organic fertilizer, and other industrial inputs. According to Hadi, this model is designed to bolster both energy security and the national industrial sector.
Did You Know?
The Indonesian Air Force is currently overseeing sugarcane plantations with a potential production of 18.386 million tons, which is estimated to reach 45.05 percent of the national sugar production target for 2026.
Military Collaboration in National Food Targets
The Malang visit also served as a review of wider military-led agricultural efforts. The government is coordinating with the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force to meet specific 2026 production targets for critical crops.
From January to June 2026, the Army’s support for rice cultivation spanned 6.26 million hectares, yielding approximately 19.2 million tons of rice—roughly 55.24 percent of the national target. Meanwhile, the Navy has assisted in managing 2,432 hectares of soybean land, with a production potential of 3,676 tons.
Projected Outcomes and Future Cooperation
The administration maintains that reaching food and energy self-sufficiency is contingent on a multi-stakeholder approach. Government officials anticipate that the current collaboration among the military, ministries, regional governments, state-owned enterprises, academia, and farmers will increase agricultural productivity.
Looking ahead, these joint efforts are expected to create jobs and improve public welfare by strengthening downstream industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the military in sugarcane production?
The Indonesian Air Force manages sugarcane plantations, including those at the Abdulrachman Saleh Air Force Base, which provides the raw materials for processing into sugar and bioethanol.
Which organizations are involved in processing the sugarcane?
The processing of sugarcane harvested from these sites is carried out by PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN) and Pertamina NRE.
What are the primary goals of the government’s agricultural collaboration?
The government aims to achieve food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural productivity, strengthen downstream industrial sectors, create jobs, and improve public welfare through collaboration between the military, state agencies, and private entities.
How might the expansion of these integrated ecosystems affect domestic fuel prices or availability in the coming years?
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