Kukar Pushes To Become Rice Hub, Production Surges Significantly
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| 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.
