Agriculture Minister: Indonesia Now a Global Reference in the Food Sector

Makassar (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that Indonesia is currently a global reference in the food sector. Amran Sulaiman said Indonesia has even received international awards in the food field due to its success in achieving self-sufficiency. “Many countries come to learn from Indonesia, from Japan, Canada, to Belarus. This is proof that we are on the right track towards food self-sufficiency,” he said at the opening of the 26th Makassar Bugis Merchant Meeting (PSBM) in 2026 in Makassar on Thursday. Nevertheless, he reminded that food crises are a real threat that can shake national stability. Dependence on imports, according to him, not only impacts the economy but also brings political pressure. “One million tonnes of rice imports can bring significant pressure from exporting countries,” he emphasised. On that occasion, he outlined several strategic government programmes, including energy-saving initiatives and downstreaming of flagship commodities. For example, coconut downstreaming is said to have economic potential reaching Rp5,000 trillion. Other commodities like gambier also have downstreaming potential up to Rp5,000 trillion. In addition, Indonesia currently dominates the global crude palm oil (CPO) market, making it a major player in that industry. According to Amran, this is proof that Indonesia is capable of leading in the global food and agribusiness sector. In this historic moment, Indonesia has also successfully exported 10,000 tonnes of rice to Palestine, which he called the first export in history to that region. Amran reaffirmed that food self-reliance is the key to national strength. He invited all Makassar Bugis merchants to synergise and take roles in building a national economy based on local potential.