UNTIL the mid-1950s, the South Banyumas region was known as one of the rice-producing areas that supported food needs for various regions in Central Java. Ironically, however, there were reports indicating that hundreds of people were undernourished in the Banyumas Residency. The death rate was even higher than the birth rate.

Several national newspapers reported on this problem. The March 14, 1957, edition of Indonesia Raya reported that 600 people in the Banyumas Residency were suffering from food shortages. Of that number, 460 people were hospitalized, while there were only 19 emergency hospitals in the regency. The July 10, 1957, edition of Antara and the July 16, 1957, edition of PIA Semarang also warned of the threat of famine looming over Central Java, particularly the Banyumas Residency.

This drew the attention of a member of the House of Representatives from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Party faction, K.H. Muslich. After reading the reports from Antara and PIA Semarang, Muslich raised questions about the issue. As a member of the House of Representatives, Muslich had the right to interpellate the government in accordance with Article 69 of the Provisional Constitution (UUDS 1950).

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