Amran's Firm Remarks: Rice and Fertiliser Stocks Safe—All Calculated

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Agriculture Minister (Mentan) Amran Sulaiman rejected the view of several observers that the closure of the Hormuz Strait could trigger a food crisis in Indonesia. He said the national food situation is currently secure.

In addressing concerns over a potential food crisis arising from geopolitics in the Middle East, Amran said the notion was unfounded. He also stressed that Iran’s war would not trigger a fertiliser shortage in Indonesia.

‘Oh, that’s certainly not true. Yes, perhaps the observers are not farmers. Please be understanding. Not genuine agricultural scientists,’ Amran said at a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture’s office, Jakarta, Friday (6 March 2026).

He emphasised that the optimism is not merely a guess, but based on current stock levels.

‘It’s not optimism, there is already plenty of rice. Please convey my regards and, God willing, my words are correct. Why? The goods are already there. We have been trained to face this,’ he said.

Amran also argued that closing the Hormuz Strait is not directly related to national rice supplies, as Indonesia does not rely on imports for this commodity.

‘And rice is not imported. So it’s not related. What would be the thing that would hinder us?’ he asked.

Alternative sources of fertiliser feedstock

According to him, any potential impact would be more likely related to fertiliser feedstock supplies. However the government has prepared alternative supply sources from several countries.

‘At most, fertiliser feedstock, right? But the alternatives we will take from Russia, Laos, Australia. We have calculated everything,’ Amran said.

In line with that, Amran assured the national food reserves are in a strong condition. Based on government calculations, current stock could meet needs for up to 324 days.

‘We know that there is war between Iran and Israel. We are announcing the current food condition. Alhamdulillah, after we calculated, the strength of our food security under the rising geopolitical tensions, our food, our reserves up to today, are available to last until 324 days,’ he said.

The reserves come from several sources, ranging from Bulog stock to potential harvests still on the land.

‘From Bulog’s reserves, that is 3.7 million tonnes. Then in HoReCa more than 12 million tonnes. Then standing crop, also 10-11 million tonnes,’ he stated.

With these conditions, Amran ensured that the national food supply remains safeguarded because production continues every month.

‘Total it can last 324 days. And not 324 days of stoppage. We continuously produce every month from 2.6 million to 5.7 million tonnes. The range is between a minimum of 2.6 million and 5.3 million tonnes every month. So, God willing, food is safe,’ he concluded.