Indonesia Highlights Agricultural Heritage at FAO’s Global Exhibition in Rome
Indonesia is prominently showcasing its diverse agricultural products at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) inaugural global exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods,” in Rome, Italy, held from October 10 to 13, 2025. The event, hosted in the historic Park of Porta Capena, marks both the FAO’s 80th anniversary and the lead-up to World Food Day on October 16, 2025. Indonesia joins nearly 150 countries presenting a unique blend of food traditions and innovations that underscore agriculture’s pivotal role in global food security.
The Indonesian delegation features four key commodity derivatives emblematic of its rich regional agricultural zones: organic rice from West and Central Java, lady finger bananas from East Java’s Lumajang district, snake fruit (salak) from Bali’s Karangasem region, and sago from Papua’s Sentani area. These products reflect Indonesia’s varied agroecological zones and the efforts of farmers working in often challenging environments. Rachmat Pambudy, Indonesia’s National Development Planning Minister, emphasized the fundamental role of farmers, calling for “respect, justice, and recognition for their hard work” in feeding populations worldwide.
Strategic Agricultural Transformation and International Cooperation
Ali Jamil, Acting Secretary-General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, framed the country’s participation as a demonstration of its commitment to modernizing agriculture sustainably. He highlighted efforts to enhance productivity while preserving biodiversity and strengthening local value chains. The exhibit underscores the involvement of a broad spectrum of business actors, from established exporters to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), benefiting from increased international exposure and investment opportunities.
Indonesia’s engagement in this exhibition is also part of its long-standing cooperation with the FAO since joining in 1948. Noteworthy programs include the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, which supports Lumajang’s banana farmers in improving sustainable production and market readiness. Additionally, with FAO and New Zealand Embassy support, small-scale sago processing facilities have been developed in Papua, enhancing local livelihoods by reducing post-harvest losses. The snake fruit agroforestry system in Bali has earned recognition as Indonesia’s first site in FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), exemplifying sustainable agroecological practices with cultural significance.
Global Context: Innovation and Sustaining Food Security
Rajendra Aryal, the FAO Representative to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, explained that Indonesia’s diverse food offerings at the exhibition illustrate the harmony between tradition and innovation, underscoring how cultural food heritage can coexist with modern sustainable agricultural technologies. He described the event as a “milestone” for FAO, portraying the organization’s pivotal role over 80 years in combating hunger and malnutrition globally.
The exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience tracing the value chains of crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries. It includes displays of both traditional farming practices and modern advancements such as agricultural drones and hydroponic greenhouses. These highlight the potential of technology to improve productivity and environmental sustainability in global agrifood systems. The event is part of the fifth FAO World Food Forum, which facilitates international dialogue and collaborative solutions for food system challenges.
Significance for Global Food Security and Sustainable Development
This global exhibition holds particular significance amid increased concern over food insecurity exacerbated by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. The FAO’s focus on its “Four Betters” — better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life — aims to foster inclusive growth in agriculture that leaves no one behind, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Indonesia’s presentation at FAO’s exhibition also speaks to the diplomatic and trade dimensions of agricultural development. By attracting international partnerships and investments, Indonesia aims to strengthen its agrifood sector’s role within regional frameworks such as ASEAN and global trade networks, contributing to economic resilience and regional stability.
According to Reuters, the FAO’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability at this forum reflects the pressing global agenda to transform food systems amid a rapidly changing climate and political environment. For Indonesia, the event is an opportunity to assert its identity as a major agrodiverse nation committed to global food security and rural development.
Internal reference: Readers interested in Southeast Asian food cultures may also explore our coverage of Indonesian Food Culture and Trade Dynamics.
