In a move to bolster food security and support the Asta Cita vision, the second Indonesia-United States Digital Technology Dialogue, focusing on the agricultural sector, was held in Houston in early December 2024. This high-level dialogue, which brought together key stakeholders from both countries, has resulted in significant opportunities for cooperation in the development of digital technologies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Indonesia.
The dialogue explored various areas of collaboration, including improving seed quality, optimizing land use, managing post-harvest processes, and enhancing supply chains. These discussions are pivotal in advancing Indonesia’s agricultural sector, which is crucial for achieving the nation’s food security goals under the Asta Cita program.
Supporting Asta Cita’s Agricultural Priorities
“This dialogue is organized to support the Asta Cita vision, which aims to achieve national food security, and is also part of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Indonesia and the United States,” said Meri Binsar Simorangkir, the former Consul General of Indonesia in Chicago (2020–2023) and Head of the Indonesian delegation at the event.
The event was marked by tangible outcomes, including the identification of potential areas for collaboration between U.S. and Indonesian stakeholders. One key area discussed was the potential for start-up entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector, as well as training and development programs for farmers. The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) also offered support for building capacity among Indonesian farmers through education and hands-on experience.
“The discussions also emphasized the importance of sharing research, experiences, and best practices between our two countries to increase agricultural efficiency and sustainability,” Simorangkir added.
Building a Digital Agriculture Ecosystem
The dialogue emphasized the formation of a Digital Agriculture Ecosystem aimed at enhancing food availability and improving food distribution, access, and utilization. This collaborative effort will bring together the government, private sector, and society to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
Ourina Ritonga, Consul General of Indonesia in Houston, noted the significance of the dialogue in bringing together major agricultural stakeholders from both countries. “We’ve had productive discussions with organizations such as the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), agribusiness companies like Riviana Foods Inc., and leading agricultural institutions like Texas A&M University (TAMU),” she explained.
Texas A&M University, a prominent U.S. institution, played a central role in the dialogue, contributing to the conversation on innovative solutions to global agricultural challenges. Prof. Elsa Murano, Director of the Borlaug Institute at TAMU, emphasized the need for innovations that address food security on a global scale. “We strongly encourage innovations that improve food security, help communities tackle hunger, and promote sustainable agricultural practices,” said Murano.
A Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
The outcomes of this dialogue align closely with commitments made by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Joe Biden in a Joint Statement issued during their November 12, 2024, meeting at the White House. The two leaders committed to strengthening collaboration in technological innovations and sustainable agricultural practices, including through initiatives like the Digital Technology Dialogue.
The Indonesian delegation at the event included representatives from various government ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, and State-Owned Enterprises (BULOG and PTPN). In addition, private companies and universities from Indonesia participated, with notable representations from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), and agribusiness companies such as Eratani, Habibi Garden, and Drone Emprit.
Promising Future for Indonesia’s Agricultural Sector
The dialogue also explored various investment opportunities in digital agriculture, marking an important step in Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its agricultural practices and improve food security for its growing population. By embracing new technologies, Indonesia aims to ensure that its food production systems are more efficient, resilient to climate change, and capable of meeting the demands of both local and global markets.
The Indonesian government’s focus on digital technology in agriculture is a key element of its broader economic strategy, which also includes initiatives in food and energy security, health transformation, and education—all part of the broader Asta Cita vision for national development.
The outcomes of this second Indonesia-U.S. Digital Technology Dialogue are expected to have a lasting impact on both countries’ agricultural sectors, fostering deeper ties and expanding opportunities for collaboration in digital agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.