The Serang Regency Government (Pemkab Serang) is committed to enhancing shallot production, a key agricultural commodity in the region. Demonstrating this commitment, Serang has partnered with Brebes Regency—a major shallot-producing area in Indonesia—to exchange knowledge and improve farming techniques.
During a recent shallot harvest event in Toyomerto Village, Kramatwatu District, Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah emphasized that food self-sufficiency is a top priority in her administration’s first 100 days.
Shallot Production: A Key Driver of Economic Stability
Shallots are a strategic commodity in Indonesia, significantly influencing regional inflation. According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), shallot prices contribute notably to inflation fluctuations, making local production increases crucial for price stability.
Serang currently produces 619.04 tons of shallots annually, with Kramatwatu District being the largest contributor. However, this output still falls short of meeting Banten Province’s demand. To bridge this gap, the local government plans to optimize 48,123 hectares of agricultural land, expanding beyond rice cultivation to include high-value horticultural crops like shallots.
Government Support and Future Prospects
Regent Ratu Zakiyah highlighted Serang’s fertile soil as a key advantage for scaling shallot farming. The government will provide maximal support to farmers, including:
- Technical assistance from Brebes’ experienced growers.
- Land utilization in key districts (Padaricang, Cikesal, Baros, Mancak, Tirtayasa).
- Strengthening food security and diversifying agriculture to reduce dependency on imports.
This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s national goal of food self-sufficiency while addressing regional inflation—a challenge exacerbated by volatile food prices.
Serang’s shallot expansion strategy demonstrates how local government action, inter-regional collaboration, and farmer empowerment can drive agricultural productivity and economic resilience. By leveraging fertile land and strategic partnerships, Serang is poised to become a major shallot hub, supporting both farmer welfare and regional stability.
