Agriculture Minister reports to Prabowo that rice reserves are secure and CPO exports increase

Jakarta — Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman reported to President Prabowo Subianto that the availability of national food stocks, particularly rice, is in very good condition and crude palm oil (CPO) exports have increased.

The minister conveyed this report during a Full Cabinet Session chaired by President Prabowo at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

In his report, the agriculture minister stated that national rice reserves have currently reached approximately four million tonnes and are estimated to increase significantly in the coming weeks. This achievement represents the highest level in the history of national rice reserves.

“Today rice reserves have reached four million tonnes, data from two days ago already showed four million tonnes and possibly next month will reach five million tonnes, Mr President. This is our highest reserve, this is sufficient for 324 days, reserves are adequate for rice until the end of the year,” said Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.

“There is good news, Mr President, regarding our CPO exports rising to six million tonnes. Whilst we need 5.3 million tonnes for biofuel, so Alhamdulillah it has increased,” he added.

The performance of the agricultural sector is also reflected in its contribution to the national economy. The minister noted that the agricultural sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached 5.74 per cent, which represents the highest achievement in the last 25 years.

“The agricultural sector’s GDP is the highest in 25 years at 5.74 per cent of GDP. Then the Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP), the level of farmer welfare, is the highest in 33 years,” said Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.

“This is because of Mr President’s policies, the floor price for commodities was increased and fertiliser prices fell by 20 per cent without burdening the Finance Minister,” explained Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.

Responding to the report, President Prabowo affirmed that the current state of national food security demonstrates a strong foundation. The President also emphasised the importance of continuing to monitor all food commodities, particularly protein sources for the community.

“I think this is something we can be confident about, a strong foundation. Whatever happens, our food is secure. Of course, all commodities must be monitored, especially the issue of protein. Protein, I think the fastest solutions for protein are from fisheries, inland fisheries, offshore fisheries, and capture fisheries,” said President Prabowo.

With these achievements, the government is optimistic that national food security will become increasingly robust whilst simultaneously strengthening Indonesia’s path towards sustainable food self-sufficiency.