🖋️ Writer: Ted/Hendra – Malang Bureau Reporter
✍️ Editor: Kenzo | AswinNews.com – Sharp, Accurate, Reliable, and Up-to-Date
ASWINNEWS.COM – MALANG – The Malang Regency Government is strengthening its commitment to achieving food independence and security through its urban farming program. At the grassroots level, one of the driving forces is the Kelompok Tani Nelayan Andalan (KTNA), or Farmers and Fishermen Group of Excellence, which remains active and influential—particularly in Ngantang District.
A coordination meeting was held at the Kaumrejo Village Hall, Ngantang, on Tuesday (August 24, 2025). The event was attended by Ngantang Subdistrict Head Eno Imam Safari, S.Sos, Malang Regency KTNA Chairman Khoirul Anam and his board, Ngantang KTNA Chairman Kuswanadi, Ngantang PPL Coordinator Reni Palupi, representatives from East Java’s PUPT, as well as more than 200 participants from Gapoktan (farmers’ associations), Poktan (farmer groups), and Women Farmers’ Groups (KWT).
Expectations from Village and Regency Leaders
Kaumrejo Village Head, Ruwanto, expressed hope that the meeting would bring tangible benefits to local farmers.
“This kind of gathering should generate real impact—whether in empowering farmers, ensuring sustainable agricultural production, or strengthening collaboration between farmer groups across villages,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malang Regency KTNA Chairman, Khoirul Anam, emphasized the importance of synergy among farmers, agricultural institutions, and village governments.
“Since its inception, KTNA has served as a bridge between farmers and the government. Our duty is to ensure agricultural programs are truly effective. One urgent task now is building a comprehensive database of commodity potential—especially Ngantang’s shallot production—so prices can be stabilized,” he explained.
Khoirul also highlighted the government’s latest policy through Presidential Decree No. 6 of 2025, which mandates fertilizer distribution through the Merah Putih Village Cooperative.
“We hope this system will make fertilizer distribution more organized and targeted. KTNA must remain proactive in coordinating with villages to ensure farmers no longer face fertilizer shortages,” he added.
Infrastructure to Boost Farmers’ Welfare
Ngantang Subdistrict Head, Eno Imam Safari, S.Sos, stressed that infrastructure development is equally crucial to improving farmers’ livelihoods. He cited an MoU signed by the Malang Regent, Blitar Regent, and East Java Governor regarding the status upgrade of the Kambal–Wlingi road from a district to a provincial road.
“With this upgrade, agricultural distribution will be smoother. Ultimately, we expect this to raise both the income and welfare of Ngantang’s farmers,” he affirmed.
Editorial Note
Food security programs cannot stop at policy and concept alone. Farmers’ biggest challenges often emerge in the post-harvest stage—covering distribution, pricing, and competitiveness. As the government’s strategic partner, KTNA must go beyond its social function and create data-driven breakthroughs to strengthen farmers’ bargaining power. The momentum in Ngantang could serve as a model for cross-village and cross-regency collaboration in building a more equitable and resilient food security system.
