Jakarta. Vice presidential candidate, Mohammad Mahfud, recognizes that Indonesia is currently facing a dilemma of having abundant natural resources, yet issues related to food security and the environment remain unresolved.

Dressed in the uniform of a nature lovers student organization (mapala), Mahfud said that environmental sustainability is ingrained in Indonesia's local cultural wisdom, citing the Tri Hita Karana principle from Balinese culture. "Tri Hita Karana" is a Balinese philosophy that embodies the concept of harmonious relationships among three realms: humans, nature and environment, and the spiritual world. 

While the constitution mandates the management and utilization of natural resources for the people's prosperity, Indonesian farmers are still lacking in empowerment.

"Our natural resources are abundant, yet we have not achieved food sovereignty. Farmers and land are diminishing, while fertilizer subsidies are increasing. Something must be amiss," Mahfud said during the vice presidential debate at the Jakarta Convention Centre on Sunday.

Mahfud, who is Ganjar Pranowo's running mate, also addressed issues of natural resources disputes and pollution arising as side effects of industrialization.

"Our air is being polluted... Investors come in, industrialization occurs, the environment is damaged, and the people suffer," Mahfud said.

"Natural resources become a source of disputes among citizens, and among governments," he added.

The former Chairman of the Constitutional Court also noted that the current administration has not taken sufficient steps to preserve the environment.

The Ganjar-Mahfud pair has empowerment programs like "Farmers Proud to Farm" and "Sea Dominance, prosperous fishermen." 

Mahfud is determined not to let his programs fail and harm the environment, citing the example of the Food Estate program that faced environmental challenges.

The candidates for vice president -- Muhaimin Iskandar, Gibran Rakabuming, and Mahfud MD -- participated in the fourth presidential debate at the Jakarta Convention Center, centering their discussions on environmental concerns, agriculture, energy, and food security.

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