Nuri Yatul Hikmah (Warta Kota), Jakarta – Thousands of workers joined the Indonesia Farmers Union (SPI) in a demonstration in front of the State Palace near the Horse Statue in Central Jakarta on Saturday September 24. The action was held in the context of commemorating National Farmers Day (HTN).

Ardito Ramadhan, Jakarta – A survey conducted by Kompas Research and Development (Litbang Kompas) shows that the majority of respondents have experienced difficulties purchasing basic necessities since early April.

Jakarta – The scarcity of cooking oil in various parts of Indonesia has continued for at least three months. Over this time however, the government and police have failed to find the masterminds behind the shortages.

Sack reads: Imported soybeans, No 1 quality soybeans.

Famer's hat reads: self-sufficiency

In early January tempeh and tofu disappeared from the market as producers went on strike to protest the soaring price of soybean, the primary ingredient of the popular food, which is mostly imported.

Jakarta – The National Agrarian Reform Committee (KNPA) has recorded at least 35 cases of agrarian conflicts between March and September 2020 or since the Covid-19 pandemic started in Indonesia. Based on the KNPA’s records, these conflicts range from land grabs, forced evictions, intimation to arrests.

Jakarta – In the lead up to the commemoration of International Labour Day or May Day on May 1, the Palm Oil Workers Coalition (KBS) has again called on the government and companies to fulfill the rights of workers employed in the palm oil sector.

From an oped piece titled The Sugar Industry’s Economic Rentierism

Indonesia is the world’s second-largest sugar importer behind China and imports have doubled over the last 10 years. Last year, less than half the sugar consumed in Indonesia was grown domestically.

Kid: How come all we do is import rice?

Farmer: Yes, well, if we didn’t we’d be dead (scarecrow reads “rice data hoax”)

A polemic has erupted over the importation of rice verses self-sufficiency with supporters of presidential challenger Prabowo Subianto using the issue to attack incumbent President Joko Widodo.

Bulukumba – Hundreds of farmers from the Bulukumba People’s Struggle Front (FPR) in South Sulawesi commemorated National Farmers Day (HTN) with a protest action in front of the Bulukumba regent’s office on Monday September 24.

Rabul Sawal, Ternate – The Ternate Student Struggle Centre for National Liberation (Pembebasan) collective commemorated National Farmers Day (HTN) which falls on September 24 by organising activities at several higher education campuses in North Maluku.