In a bold push to strengthen its role as Indonesia’s leading rice producer, Indramayu has begun implementing a transformation of its agricultural system. In sum, Indramayu region produced 1.7 million tons of dry-unhulled paddy (GKP)—equivalent to about 1.49 million tons of dry-milled rice (GKG)—which placed Indramayu at the top among rice-producing districts in the country. Indramayu regency government—led by Bupati Luckey Hakim—is forming a “super team” consisting of government actors, agriculture practitioners, farmer groups (Gapoktan), and farmers themselves. Its mission: to pilot and scale more efficient, modern, and farmer-friendly agricultural practices.
One of the flagship efforts is a demo plot (demplot) on a 5-hectare farm in Wanasari Village, Bangodua, operated by PT Bumi Wiralodra Indramayu (PT BWI). This site is intended as a living laboratory—where farmers, especially younger ones, can learn hands-on methods to optimise yields and reduce costs. Preliminary results from the employ are promising: it’s reported that farmers can cut fertiliser use by about 50%, while raising rice yields by 10–20%. Beyond yield and cost improvements, the transformation effort also emphasises regeneration of the farming population. By involving younger generations in both theory and practice, the program aims to foster modern agricultural knowledge and reduce the reluctance of younger people to enter farming. In sum, Indramayu is shifting from being just a high-volume paddy producer to a region investing in systemic modernisation, seeking to make agriculture more sustainable, profitable, and accessible for its farmers.
