More than 70 percent of the world’s conflicts are triggered by competition for energy and food
More than 70 percent of the world’s conflicts are triggered by competition for energy and food. This was conveyed by Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo in a public lecture in front of thousands of academicians of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Thursday (23/2), at Graha Widya Wisuda (Graduation Building), Darmaga Campus of IPB, Bogor. “With the additional energy need of the world by 41 percent in 2035, the world supply of fossil energy is expected to run out in 2043. The conflict is quite natural to happen because each country is obligated to ensure the safety of its citizens and to secure the availability of energy required for the survival of its nation whether it comes from exploration in home countries or through cooperation with foreign countries,” he explained. He cited the conflict in Syria as an example that happens because of competition for energy among major countries in the region. Given this reality, he said, many experts and scholars around the world are trying to create renewable energy instead of fossil energy. Based on scientific discoveries, one of the new energy that can be created is from plants, known as bioenergy or biofuels. The trend in the increased use of bioenergy has triggered a crisis in world food prices, rising very sharply. “The food crisis in Venezuela and Colombia has led to social problems and crime,” he said. In Indonesia, the food crisis could occur at any time and should become our awareness. He compared the prices of rice in 2017 in some countries: in Indonesia, the average price is Rp 12,200, while the price of broken white rice in Cambodia 5 percent lower or Rp 6317, in Thailand Rp 4,482, and a B grade white rice in Vietnam Rp 5,107. This condition offers a chance the various parties to import rice and disrupt national food security. “It’s a very strategic issue. Therefore, I am very much motivated to give a public lecture here. I hope that my fellows here, IPB students be keen to learn and share their knowledge with the farmers,” he said. Further, Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said agriculture has a very important role. It is an important determinant of economic growth in Indonesia. In 2016 agriculture, plantation, fishery and livestock accounted for 5.02 percent of economic growth and are a determining factor for the resilience of the nation. “Let us maximize our capital in terms of both Indonesian geography, maritime and agriculture to realize the resilience of the nation. IPB students, you are a true patriot, study diligently to help with the welfare of farmers. Learning to realize the security and sovereignty of the nation,” he said. As one attention to the realization of the nation’s resilience food, TNI has established Paddy Farmers Integrated Service Center (SP3T) in Jombang. Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo also said this is a challenge for IPB to address the issues of food security. Relating this, IPB Rector Prof. Dr. Herry Suhardiyanto in his speech, described IPB’s role at various national and international levels. “Innovations of IPB have been felt by the public. IPB is increasingly apparent in its role in agriculture, e.g. IPB for nine consecutive years has been selected as having the most prospective innovation in Indonesia for the year 2008 -2016,” said Prof. Herry. (Mtd)
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