Hands-on Leadership: HSU Regent Joins Farmers in Rice Planting for Stronger Food Security

Hulu Sungai Utara Kartininews.com – Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Regent H. Sahrujani emphasized that all elements of the local government must directly understand the conditions and activities of farmers in the field.

The Regent made the statement while participating in a joint rice planting activity in Cempaka Village, Amuntai Selatan Subdistrict, on Wednesday (10/6/2026).

According to the Regent, there should be no gap between the government and farmers, as the advancement of the agricultural sector requires attention and involvement from all parties.

“We must all share the same spirit in supporting agriculture. The Regent, the DPRD Chairperson, DPRD members, and department heads must know firsthand the conditions faced by farmers while working in the rice fields. By going down directly like this, we can understand what the farmers truly feel and need,” said Regent Sahrujani.

He added that the government’s presence among the community is not only to observe agricultural activities but also to listen to the various problems faced by farmers so that joint solutions can be found.

The Regent also highlighted several issues that farmers frequently encounter, including the presence of weeds and the need for supporting agricultural facilities and infrastructure. He urged that all existing obstacles be reported to the local government so they can be followed up through the relevant agencies.

“If there are problems in the field, report them to us. The local government is ready to be present and find solutions together so that agricultural productivity continues to increase,” said Haji Jani, as Sahrujani is affectionately known.

Furthermore, the Regent stressed that the agricultural sector must be a top priority because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the community’s food availability.

“We must put agricultural affairs first. When the rice fields are planted and harvests increase, the community will feel the benefits. Good food availability will bring peace and prosperity to the people,” he added.

On that occasion, the Regent also invited the farmers to use the activity as a platform to convey their aspirations, proposals, and various needs related to the agricultural sector.

“We want to hear directly the hopes of the farmers. Events like this are a good opportunity to discuss and find solutions together for the advancement of agriculture in Hulu Sungai Utara,” he said.

In addition to the agricultural sector, the Regent also touched on the development of the fisheries sector as part of the agrominapolitan program of Hulu Sungai Utara Regency.

He expressed hope that business actors and fish farmers would continue to coordinate with the relevant agencies to support increased production and community welfare.

The joint rice planting activity was also attended by Deputy Regent Hero Setiawan, the DPRD Chairperson, DPRD members, heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), and farmers.

What is Agrominapolitan Program?

Agrominapolitan Program is a regional development concept in Indonesia that integrates agriculture (agro), fisheries (mina), and related sectors (often including livestock or processing) into a unified, sustainable area-based approach.

General Concept

• Agro refers to agriculture (crops, rice farming, plantations, etc.).
• Mina comes from minapolitan, which focuses on marine/fisheries development (fish farming, aquaculture, capture fisheries).
• Politan indicates a territorial or area-based development model (similar to agropolitan for agriculture-focused regions or minapolitan for fisheries).

The program aims to create integrated, efficient, and competitive production centers. It combines:

• Horizontal integration: Linking production, processing, marketing, and support services within the same area.
• Vertical integration: Connecting the supply chain from upstream (farming/fishing) to downstream (processing and distribution).

Main goals:

• Increase food production and productivity.
• Strengthen food security and self-sufficiency.
• Boost farmers’ and fishers’ incomes and welfare.
• Develop agro-based industries and value-added products.
• Optimize land/resources (especially in challenging areas like swamps or wetlands).

It is part of broader Indonesian government strategies for rural economic development, often involving infrastructure, technology, training, and coordination between central and local governments.

In Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Regency Context

In Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU), South Kalimantan, the Agrominapolitan Program is a flagship initiative under the vision HSU Bangkit (HSU Rises). The regency positions itself as a key agrominapolitan hub and food logistics supporter for South Kalimantan.

Key features in HSU:

• Focus on swamp/rice field agriculture (pertanian rawa pasang surut) due to the regency’s vast wetland areas.
• Integrated agriculture + fisheries — combining rice planting, fish farming (aquaculture), and livestock.
• Infrastructure improvements — such as rehabilitating the historic Polder Alabio (a Dutch-era water management system) to control flooding, improve irrigation/drainage, and expand productive farmland.
• Innovation and local resource utilization — turning susupan gunung (a type of aquatic weed previously seen as a pest) into animal/fish feed.
• Support tools — procurement of amphibious excavators for swamp land management.
• Community involvement — joint planting activities, coordination with farmers and fish cultivators, and collaboration with universities (e.g., UNISKA MAB) for innovation and training.
• Broader impacts — flood control, stunting reduction, economic empowerment, and turning wetlands into productive, sustainable food production zones.

The program emphasizes direct government engagement with farmers (as seen in the rice-planting event), listening to field problems, and providing solutions through relevant agencies to boost productivity and food availability.

In short, for HSU, Agrominapolitan is a comprehensive strategy to transform its swamp-dominated landscape into a reliable food production center by intelligently integrating farming, fisheries, water management, and innovation. It aligns with national food security goals while addressing local geographical challenges.