MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KULONPROGO — Food security continues to be a serious issue in Indonesia. In 2022, the country ranked 69th out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index, reflecting the urgent need for improvement.
President of ‘Aisyiyah Salmah Orbayinah explained that Indonesia faces a number of challenges related to food security. These include limited agricultural land, climate change, declining productivity, a decreasing number of farmers and lack of younger generations taking their place, low recognition for women farmers, poor farmer welfare, import dependence, underdeveloped food technology, and food quality issues.
“As a women’s organization, ‘Aisyiyah is concerned about food security, especially because women play a crucial role in ensuring it,” said Salmah in Aisyiyah’s 108th anniversary celebration on Monday, May 19, adopting the theme “Strengthening Food Security through the Qaryah Thayyibah Movement for National Resilience.”
Salmah said Qaryah Thayyibah, which means “a good or thriving village,” is a national movement initiated by ‘Aisyiyah to support village development. The goal is to create strong, just, prosperous, and dignified communities.
The Qaryah Thayyibah initiative covers various areas of community life, including food security, economic empowerment, health, education, religion, social welfare, law, women’s leadership, political awareness, and environmental care.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Agus Taufiqurrahman emphasized the importance of the Progressive Islam movement in both Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah.
“‘Aisyiyah brings forward progressive women. We should continue to uphold this spirit. When women move forward, the whole nation progresses,” said Agus.
Besides, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Cooperatives also expressed his appreciation for ‘Aisyiyah’s efforts and collaboration. He said the Qaryah Thayyibah initiative aligns with the goals currently pursued by President Prabowo Subianto.
“What Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah are doing shows strong community involvement. The government is committed to actively supporting these kinds of initiatives,” said Deputy Minister Ferry.
Ferry also praised the significant contribution of women in ‘Aisyiyah to national development, highlighting their ability to take on major responsibilities while making a real impact.
“Women in ‘Aisyiyah have an important role. With the responsibilities given by the president, Insya Allah, the establishment of the Desa Merah Putih cooperatives will bring meaningful benefits to local communities,” he added.
