Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its UGM Channel, continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing strategic issues, particularly in supporting national food security. On Thursday, December 5, 2024, UGM Channel premiered its documentary film titled Di Balik Lumbung Pangan at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Forestry, UGM. The film showcases the struggles of communities in Indonesia’s outermost islands to safeguard food sovereignty amidst the challenges of globalization and climate change.
The event featured more than just a film screening. It included an interactive discussion with experts to delve into pressing food security issues in Indonesia. One of the key speakers was Prof. Dr. Jamhari, S.P., M.P., a professor from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. As an expert in food and agricultural policy, Prof. Jamhari played a pivotal role by providing an in-depth analysis of the importance of local food diversification as a strategic solution to reducing reliance on a single food crop. He emphasized that while rice-based food estates may offer a quick solution to boosting food production, it is equally crucial to optimize the diversity of local food resources across different regions. According to him, food diversity not only enriches consumption choices but also supports more sustainable food security in the face of global challenges.
The discussion also featured other notable speakers, including Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Si. (Vice Rector of UGM, political observer, and sociologist), Prof. Ir. Widiyatno, S.Hut., M.Sc., Ph.D. (a silviculture expert), and Dr. Agr. Sc. Ir. Hatma Suryatmojo, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., ASEAN Eng. (producer of Di Balik Lumbung Pangan). By offering various perspectives, the event invited participants to explore strategies for preserving food sovereignty as an integral part of sustainable development.
The documentary successfully captures the reality of the struggles faced by communities in remote areas to uphold food sovereignty, which is both a cultural heritage and a fundamental necessity. The premiere drew significant attention from academics, students, and the general public alike. Attendees were not only inspired by the film but also encouraged to view food issues from different perspectives.
Through this engaging discussion, the event reinforced participants’ understanding of the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing food security challenges. This aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The film highlights the efforts of communities to ensure food availability and sustainability in Indonesia’s outermost regions.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasis on local food diversity supports sustainable production approaches.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The discussion underscored the need for adaptation to climate change to secure food sovereignty.
With this event, UGM reaffirms its role not only as a center for education and research but also as a driving force for change in addressing the nation’s strategic issues. The documentary Di Balik Lumbung Pangan and the accompanying discussion inspire stakeholders to collectively support national food security as part of the broader goal of sustainable development.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM