By: Prabowo Subianto [excerpted from “Strategic Transformation of the Nation: Towards Golden Indonesia 2045”, page 49, 4th softcover edition]
Indonesia, with a population of nearly 280 million, currently ranks as the fourth most populous country in the world.
However, with an annual population growth rate of 1.1%, Indonesia’s position will soon be surpassed by Nigeria, whose population is expected to exceed Indonesia’s.
By 2045, projections indicate that Indonesia’s population will reach 324 million, representing an increase of 44 million individuals over the next two decades – a figure roughly equivalent to adding a new province the size of West Java.
As global and Indonesian populations continue to expand, it is estimated that food production will need to increase by 56% in order to meet the demands of an estimated global population of 10 billion by 2050. Accommodating this demand will necessitate expanding agricultural land by an area twice the size of India, presenting a significant challenge in ensuring food security for all.
In the face of population growth and the impacts of climate change, nations are increasingly focusing on securing their own food production. This underscores the importance for Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the country must prioritize job creation, the establishment of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, sanitation services, housing development, and the construction of essential infrastructure to ensure that all Indonesians can live dignified lives. This is a formidable task that must be addressed.
