REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto said the Indonesian government is still unable to defend farmers' rights and ensure affordable food prices. As the country is gearing up for industry 4.0, it must consider the impact of artificial intelligence and robotic industry on the reduction of job opportunities, he said in the second round of presidential debate here on Sunday night.

Above all, farmers' welfare must be prioritized, he remarked. "Talking about industry 4.0, we are still unable to defend our farmers. That is what we are questioning now. Neither are we able to ensure affordable food prices," he said.

Prabowo further stressed that Indonesia must be able to meet food needs on its own without imports. In his vision and mission, he vowed to ensure food supplies at affordable prices if he is elected president for the 2019-2024 term.

Food is one of the yardsticks of a country's success, Prabowo said. He also said that Indonesia will be considered successful if it can meet food needs on its own at affordable prices.

He said food producers including cattle raisers, farmers and fishermen must have adequate income to improve their welfare. "It's good to talk about industry 4.0 but more importantly, Indonesia must be able to supply foods on its own without imports," he said.

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