Bulog's Rice Stock Hits Record 4.5 Million Tonnes, Agriculture Minister Claims Food Security Strengthened

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the national rice stock stored by Bulog has reached approximately 4.5 million tonnes and is projected to surpass 5 million tonnes in the next 10 to 20 days. He claimed this is the highest rice stock in Indonesia’s history since the republic was founded. Amran said the increase in stock reflects the success of the government’s priority programme in rapidly boosting food production. “This has never happened since this republic was established,” he said at the Bulog Panaikang Warehouse Complex in Makassar on Sunday (5/4/2026). In South Sulawesi alone, the rice stock has been reported to have increased from around 300,000 tonnes to more than 700,000 tonnes. Nationally, the figure has nearly tripled compared to the same period in previous years. Amran emphasised that this production surge occurred in a relatively short time, just one year. He linked the achievement to government policies focused on increasing farmer productivity and optimising land use. Regarding food distribution, the government ensures that the stored rice supply is sufficient for domestic needs for up to 11 months ahead. This calculation includes stocks in Bulog warehouses, reserves in the hospitality and catering sectors, and potential harvests from currently planted fields. He also added that the pump irrigation programme and irrigation improvements can generate additional production of up to 2 million tonnes per month, thereby strengthening food security amid climate change threats such as El Niño. “With the current conditions, we can still face a six-month drought. Our stock is strong,” he said. On the other hand, food aid distribution continues, including the provision of rice in small packages according to community needs. “If the people need it, we serve them,” said Amran. He called on all parties to maintain optimism and support the government’s programme. “This is the result of collective work, including with Bulog and farmers. Farmers are the food heroes. We must be grateful and maintain sustainability,” he said.