Analysis of Strategy for Planning Sugarcane Farming Area Expansion in Indonesia to Support National Food Needs

Abstract

Indonesia's reliance on sugar imports necessitates strategic agricultural expansion to achieve national food and energy security. This study aims to formulate land planning strategies for sugarcane area expansion and identify the factors influencing land adequacy for the sustainability of the sugar industry. The internship and research were conducted at PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (PT SGN), the sugar subholding of PTPN Group, which plays a strategic role in supporting Indonesia’s sugar self-sufficiency program. A qualitative approach was employed through in-depth interviews and field observations and data were analyzed using an interactive qualitative model to evaluate corporate strategies and field constraints. The results indicate that effective expansion relies on rigorous spatial identification, agroclimatic assessment, and the integration of digital technologies (GIS, drones, and smart farming) to enhance planning accuracy and operational efficiency. Furthermore, land adequacy is critically constrained by four interconnected factors: legal ownership status, infrastructure deficits, climate volatility, and labor regeneration challenges. The study also highlights that integrating sugar and bioethanol production is a vital strategy to maximize commodity value and support national energy security. Ultimately, successful land expansion requires integrated, multi-stakeholder planning. Strategic collaboration among the government, corporations, and farmers is essential to achieve sugar self-sufficiency and foster sustainable agricultural development in Indonesia.