Pekanbaru, April 30, 2026 — Universitas Riau (UNRI) held a public lecture featuring the Coordinating Minister for Food of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Zulkifli Hasan, S.E., M.M., at the UNRI Student Center Building on Thursday (30/4). The event carried the theme “Government Priority Policies in the Food Sector” as part of efforts to strengthen the academic community’s understanding of national food security.
The public lecture was attended by university leaders, Deans, Heads of Institutes, Heads of Technical Implementation Units (UPA), as well as invited guests from various units within UNRI. The Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNRI, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., actively participated in the event.
In her remarks, the Rector of UNRI, Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that higher education institutions play a strategic role in supporting government programs, particularly in the area of food security. She stated that collaboration between academia and the government is key to generating sustainable research-based innovations and policies.
“Food security is a fundamental pillar of national independence. Universities are expected to contribute through scientific research, community service, and the development of high-quality human resources.”
In the presentation session, the Coordinating Minister for Food, represented by Deputy Coordinating Minister Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, S.Hut., M.P., explained that the government currently places the food sector as a top priority in national development. He highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic production, stabilizing supply and prices, and improving farmers’ welfare as part of a comprehensive food security strategy.
He also underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration, including the role of universities in generating agricultural technology innovations, policy research, and community empowerment based on local food resources. According to him, global challenges such as climate change and economic dynamics require Indonesia to become more self-reliant and adaptive in managing the food sector.
“The government continues to promote policies oriented toward food self-sufficiency, from upstream to downstream. The role of young generations and academics is crucial in providing innovative solutions to these challenges.”
Meanwhile, the Dean of FISIP UNRI, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., also highlighted the importance of this event as a platform for dialogue between academics and policymakers. He noted that the public lecture not only provides theoretical understanding but also practical insights into the direction of government policies in the food sector.
“This activity is highly relevant for students and lecturers, especially in understanding the dynamics of public policy in the food sector. It is hoped that the insights gained can serve as a foundation for further academic studies and tangible contributions to society.”
UNRI hopes to continue strengthening its role as a higher education institution that actively supports the national development agenda, particularly in achieving sustainable food security in Indonesia. (ENGGY-RIRY, Photo: UNRI Public Relations)
