Jakarta, Aug. 21 -- Indonesia's Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) has voiced support for the government's plan to expand rice fields in pursuit of food self-sufficiency.

"Food self-sufficiency is the foundation of national sovereignty. DPD RI fully supports the President's program to open millions of hectares of new rice fields, so that Indonesia is no longer dependent on imports," DPD Deputy Speaker Tamsil Linrung said in a statement on Wednesday.

His remarks followed President Prabowo Subianto's State Address on August 15, in which he announced a plan to open 2 million hectares of new rice fields.

Linrung said the initiative aligns with Prabowo's Asta Cita mission, which places food security as a key pillar of development.

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