Agriculture Minister Assures Food Security Amid El Niño Threat, Claims Highest Rice Stock in Indonesia's History

Amid the threat of drought due to the El Niño phenomenon predicted to last up to six months, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has delivered reassuring news. In a statement following the opening of the Pertemuan Saudagar Bugis Makassar (PSBM) event by the Kerukunan Keluarga Sulawesi Selatan, he assured that the national rice stock is currently in the safest condition in the history of the Republic of Indonesia, with reserves sufficient to meet needs for up to 10 months ahead. The Agriculture Minister expressed confidence that national food security will not be disrupted by the prolonged dry season triggered by El Niño. “Our stock, the reserves in Bulog warehouses, in the field, are sufficient for 10 months ahead. I repeat, our stock today is enough for 10 months ahead,” emphasised Amran, who is also the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) of Indonesia, on Thursday (26/3). According to his calculations, with stocks reaching a record figure, the government can weather the drought emergency period estimated to last only six months. What makes this statement so significant is the scale of the figures provided. The Minister stated that the current rice reserves are the highest Indonesia has ever had since the era of independence. “Our stock is the highest today, at 4.2 million tonnes. Next month it will be 5 million tonnes. Such stock levels have never occurred during the independent Republic,” he revealed. In addition to the already stored reserves, the government is also accounting for ongoing harvest potential. He projects at least 2 million tonnes of production per month for the next seven months, adding to the total reserves up to 14 million tonnes, predicted to cover needs until May next year. The statement came after the Minister received a direct call from President Prabowo the previous night. In that meeting, he explained that stock calculations have been done meticulously, including accounting for planting periods in April, May, up to December ahead. “Last night I was summoned by Mr President. We have calculated it well. This does not yet include what will be planted in April, May, July through to December. So it’s safe,” he clarified. During his presentation, the Minister also expressed high appreciation to all members of the Kerukunan Keluarga Sulawesi Selatan (KKSS) and the stakeholders present. He noted the attendance of seven governors, a Deputy Minister, and members of the DPR RI as evidence of the solidarity in collaboration between the central government and regions in facing potential food crises. “We extend our greatest thanks for their participation. This is extraordinary,” he concluded.