Agriculture Minister: Rice reserves reach four million tonnes, secure until year-end

Jakarta — Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has reported that national food availability, particularly rice, is in very good condition and sufficient until the end of the year.

“Today, rice reserves have reached four million tonnes. Data from two days ago showed four million tonnes, and potentially next month will reach five million tonnes, Mr President. This is our highest ever reserve level. This is sufficient for 324 days, which means our current rice reserves are adequate through to the end of the year,” said Minister Amran Sulaiman in his report to the full Cabinet Session chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

Minister Amran highlighted several positive developments in other strategic commodities, including a significant increase in crude palm oil (CPO) exports, which have strengthened the overall performance of the agricultural export sector.

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

“The agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP is the highest in 25 years at 5.74 per cent. Additionally, the Farmers’ Terms of Trade—measuring farmer welfare—is at its highest level in 33 years,” said Minister Amran Sulaiman.

According to him, these achievements are the result of various government policies, including increases in the government’s purchase price for agricultural products and reductions in fertiliser costs, which have boosted farmer welfare.

In response to the report, President Prabowo Subianto emphasised that the current state of national food security shows a strong foundation. The President also stressed the importance of continuously monitoring all food commodities, particularly protein sources for the population.

“I believe this represents something we can be confident about—a strong foundation. Whatever happens, our food supply is secure. Of course, we must monitor all commodities, particularly the question of protein. For protein, I think the fastest solutions are domestic aquaculture, land-based aquaculture, ocean aquaculture, and capture fisheries,” said President Prabowo.

With these achievements, the government is optimistic that national food security will continue to strengthen and simultaneously reinforce Indonesia’s progress towards sustainable food self-sufficiency.