Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, has outlined the budget distribution for the Special Allocation Fund (DAK) within the agricultural sector. Out of a total 2024 DAK budget of IDR 2.76 trillion (USD 191 million), IDR 421 billion (USD 29 million) has been allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture for the ambitious food estate megaproject. This endeavour aims to enhance existing food estates by intensifying cultivation and potentially expanding to underutilised lands, contributing to food production and security. The funds will be directed to 6 provinces and 50 districts, spanning regions like North Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and Java.
The allocated DAK budget for the agricultural sector in 2024 amounts to IDR 2.76 trillion (USD 191 million), encompassing IDR 2.46 trillion (USD 170 million) for physical agricultural initiatives and IDR 300 billion (USD 20.7 million) for non-physical food security and agricultural projects. The focus of these funds is on the development of food estates and the reinforcement of food production centres. Minister Syahrul revealed that 7 food estate districts had been identified, with 3 additional districts selected in accordance with national development planning guidelines. Furthermore, 40 supportive districts and cities were recognized for their geographic relevance. This effort aligns with President Joko Widodo's larger initiative, which allocates substantial funds for food security, including the development of food estates and the advancement of domestic food production.
