Kukar Economic Shift: From Oil And Coal To Agriculture For Food Security

Ria Sartika    Sunday, April 05, 2026    Comment   

Kukar Economic Shift: From Oil And Coal To Agriculture For Food Security

Kukar shifts from oil and coal to agriculture to strengthen food security. Becoming East Kalimantan’s top rice producer marks real progress. (Illustration)

TENGGARONG – The government of Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) is accelerating its economic transformation from oil, gas, and coal sectors toward agriculture in a broad sense. This strategic move aims to strengthen regional food security and reduce dependence on external supply.

Deputy Regent of Kukar, Rendi Solihin, stated that the region is entering a more focused and sustainable development phase.

“The current development focus is transitioning from the ‘Kukar Idaman 2021–2026’ vision to a stronger, long-term foundation through ‘Kutai Kartanegara Idaman Terbaik 2025–2029’,” he said in Tenggarong on Saturday.

Transition Toward Sustainable Economy

Under this new phase, the government has set a strategic vision: building a foundation as a center for food, tourism, and green industry that is advanced, prosperous, and sustainable.

This shift is also part of Kukar’s preparation to support the development of Nusantara Capital City (IKN).

Moving away from extractive industries toward renewable sectors is seen as a long-term strategy to ensure economic resilience.

Focus On Agricultural Downstreaming And Village Economy

Rendi added that the mission focuses on agricultural downstreaming and strengthening village-level economic independence. The goal is to ensure economic growth benefits reach grassroots communities.

The local government is working closely with village administrations to develop food barns, utilizing at least 20 percent of village funds allocated for the National Food Security Program.

This initiative has been implemented since 2025. One example is Mulawarman Village in Tenggarong Seberang District, which successfully carried out its harvest in late March.

Kukar Becomes Top Rice Producer In East Kalimantan

Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Kukar has emerged as the leading rice producer in East Kalimantan.

Data from 2025 shows:

• Kukar rice production (dry milled grain/GKG): 110.87 tons

• Paser Regency: 67.65 tons

• Penajam Paser Utara: 47.58 tons

In terms of harvested area:

• Kukar: 26,287 hectares

• Paser: 14,599 hectares

• Penajam Paser Utara: 13,570 hectares

These figures reinforce Kukar’s role as a key food production hub in the region.

Analysis: Why This Strategy Matters (E-E-A-T)

This economic transformation is considered relevant and strategic because it:

• Reduces dependence on volatile extractive industries

• Strengthens regional food resilience

• Creates jobs in productive sectors

• Supports the transition toward a green economy

Kukar’s approach aligns with Indonesia’s broader national development priorities focused on sustainability and food security amid global uncertainties.

FAQ

1. What is the main goal of Kukar’s economic transformation?
To reduce reliance on oil, gas, and coal while strengthening food security.

2. Why is Kukar focusing on agriculture?
Because agriculture is more sustainable and crucial for supporting food demand, especially with IKN development.

3. Has the program been implemented?
Yes, village-based food security programs have been running since 2025.

4. What proves the success of this transformation?
Kukar has become the top rice producer in East Kalimantan.

5. What is the impact on local communities?
It improves village economic independence and creates new agricultural opportunities.

Kukar Pushes To Become Rice Hub, Production Surges Significantly

Saputra Berry    Sunday, March 29, 2026    Comment   

Kukar Pushes To Become Rice Hub, Production Surges Significantly

Kukar boosts rice production through major collaboration efforts to become a food hub and reduce dependence on external rice supplies.

Tenggarong — The Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) Regency Government in East Kalimantan is stepping up efforts to position the region as a major rice production hub. The goal is clear: increase local output so the region no longer depends on rice supplies from outside areas.

The initiative involves strong collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and local farmer groups. These efforts are carried out through land intensification and expansion programs.

Kukar Regent Aulia Rahman Basri emphasized that collaboration is the key driver behind the region’s food security progress.

“The local government is actively partnering with KTNA Kukar and village administrations, especially in utilizing 20 percent of Village Funds for the National Food Security Program,” he said in Tenggarong on Saturday.

Village Funds Play Key Role in Food Security

A clear example can be seen in Mulawarman Village, Tenggarong Seberang District, where Village Funds have been effectively allocated to support agriculture.

Through the village-owned enterprise (BUMDes) Mulya Bersama, the program collaborates with six farmer groups:

• Wana Agro Lestari

• Jadi Makmur

• Sido Bangun

• Sari Bunga

• Mulawarman Jaya

• Mitra Karya

A total of 350 farmers are involved, managing approximately 350 hectares of land. Of this area, around 40 hectares have been actively cultivated with support from agricultural extension workers and KTNA.

The regent also joined farmers during a recent harvest earlier this week, highlighting the government’s hands-on commitment to the program.

Economic Shift: From Extractive Industries to Agriculture

This initiative aligns with Kukar’s broader economic transformation strategy. The region is gradually shifting away from reliance on extractive industries such as coal mining and oil and gas, toward sustainable sectors.

Agriculture, along with tourism and the creative economy, has become a key focus for long-term development.

“Kukar has a strong commitment to becoming a rice hub in East Kalimantan. This is not just a concept—it is already part of our medium-term development plan,” Aulia said.

Data Shows Kukar Leading in East Kalimantan

Recent 2025 data confirms Kukar’s dominance in rice production across the province:

• Total harvested rice area in East Kalimantan: 66,518 hectares

• Kukar contribution: 26,287 hectares (largest share)

• Second: Paser (14,599 hectares)

• Third: Penajam Paser Utara (13,570 hectares)

In terms of production:

• Total East Kalimantan output: 270.87 tons of unhusked rice (GKG)

• Kukar: 110.87 tons (highest)

• Paser: 67.65 tons

• PPU: 47.58 tons

Out of Kukar’s total 26,287 hectares of productive land, around 13,000 hectares are irrigated rice fields, while the rest consist of upland rice farming.

Collaboration and Farmers Drive Success

The success of this program is largely attributed to the dedication of local farmers, supported by strong coordination between government agencies, village administrations, companies, and agricultural advisors.

The Kukar government expressed appreciation to all parties involved, including KTNA, village leaders, BUMDes management, and farmer groups.

Looking ahead, Kukar is optimistic about achieving full food self-sufficiency and potentially becoming a major rice supplier for other regions in East Kalimantan.

FAQ

1. What is Kukar’s food security program?
It is an initiative to boost rice production through land intensification and expansion to achieve food self-sufficiency.

2. Where does the funding come from?
One key source is 20% of Village Funds allocated for food security programs.

3. Who is involved in the program?
The Kukar government, Ministry of Agriculture, TNI, Polri, KTNA, BUMDes, farmer groups, and private sector partners.

4. How large is Kukar’s rice farming area?
Approximately 26,287 hectares, including around 13,000 hectares of irrigated fields.

5. What is Kukar’s long-term goal?
To become a rice production hub and eliminate dependence on external rice supplies.