HARIANEXPRESS – The South Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Pol. Dr. Sandi Nugroho, S.I.K., S.H., M.Hum., alongside Pagar Alam Mayor H. Ludi Oliansyah, S.T., led the inaugural garlic planting event.
This significant event, held on land owned by the Pagar Alam City Government, marks a crucial step in supporting the National Food Security Program. As an initial phase, 1,400 kilograms of garlic seeds were planted across two hectares of land.
The development project is expected to bolster food resilience, boost the agricultural sector’s productivity, and create opportunities to enhance the welfare of farmers in Pagar Alam City. This initiative originated from a discussion between the South Sumatra Police Chief and the Pagar Alam Mayor during their past Idulfitri gathering.
Pagar Alam is recognized for its substantial potential as a garlic cultivation area. This is primarily due to its agroclimatic characteristics and elevation, which are similar to those of established garlic-producing regions in Lampung Province.
Inspector General Pol. Dr. Sandi Nugroho expressed appreciation for the swift response from the Pagar Alam City Government. He particularly commended the immediate implementation of the idea through land provision, agricultural technology support, and continuous mentorship for farmer groups.
“The Mayor is an extraordinary field executor. The idea we discussed some time ago was immediately realized by preparing two hectares of land, introducing agricultural technology, and providing assistance to farmer groups. This demonstrates that good collaboration will yield real benefits for the community,” said Inspector General Pol. Dr. Sandi Nugroho, S.I.K., S.H., M.Hum.
Inspector General Nugroho also underscored that successful garlic cultivation demands meticulous management due to its high susceptibility to pest attacks and adverse weather conditions. Therefore, he encouraged farmer groups to undertake comparative studies in Lampung Province to acquire direct experience with effective cultivation techniques.
He further added that Pagar Alam became the first area in South Sumatra to commence garlic planting, even before official instructions for the program were issued to all police ranks across Indonesia. This early start showcased Pagar Alam’s readiness and enthusiastic commitment to the National Food Security Program.
Kabid Humas Polda Sumatera Selatan Kombes Pol. Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, S.I.K., M.H., highlighted that the Polri’s involvement in the agricultural sector exemplifies the tangible implementation of the “Polri Presisi” concept. This approach actively supports national development through robust cross-sector collaboration.
“We are fully committed to supporting government programs for the welfare of the community. The Kapolda’s directive affirms that the Polri is not only present to maintain security and order, but also actively synergizes with local governments, farmers, and all stakeholders to strengthen food security, improve community welfare, and support the success of the President of the Republic of Indonesia’s priority programs,” said Kombes Pol. Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, S.I.K., M.H.
Through this inaugural garlic planting, the South Sumatra Regional Police, in collaboration with the Pagar Alam City Government, reaffirms their dedication to building synergy in bolstering national food security. This joint effort among Polri, local government, farmer groups, and all stakeholders aims to establish Pagar Alam as a prominent garlic production hub in South Sumatra, while also reinforcing food self-sufficiency, boosting farmer welfare, and supporting sustainable national development.
