Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono Meets Jokowi in Solo: Says Indonesia Has Stopped Rice Imports, Farmers "Happy"

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono paid a visit to Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Solo, Central Java, on Friday night (8/5/2026). During the meeting, the two discussed the progress of the national agricultural sector and the importance of continuity in development to maintain food security and public welfare. Sudaryono, familiarly known as Mas Dar, also reported the government’s achievement of food self-sufficiency in 2025. “I was once inaugurated as deputy minister during President Jokowi’s era, with clear duties and targets on how to achieve food self-sufficiency as quickly as possible,” Sudaryono stated in a written press release on Saturday (9/5/2026). “And during this visit, I also reported to Pak Jokowi that we have achieved self-sufficiency in 2025 and will continue it,” he added. The government has also raised the price of unmilled rice to Rp 6,500 per kilogram to provide better economic value to farmers. “Alhamdulillah, as Pak Jokowi also knows, we no longer import rice, and we have increased the unmilled rice price to Rp 6,500, and farmers are happy,” said Sudaryono, who also serves as Chairman of the Central Java Gerindra Party DPD. Support for irrigation and the purchase of harvests at good prices have further increased farmers’ optimism in supporting national food production. During the meeting, Jokowi was said to have appreciated the progress in the national agricultural sector. “President Jokowi also appreciated it and stated that from his observations, farmers are currently in good condition, happy, because their harvests are supported by the government, fertiliser is sufficient, irrigation is available, and harvests are purchased at good prices,” Sudaryono explained. In addition to reporting agricultural achievements, Sudaryono said he sought guidance and input from Jokowi regarding the implementation of his duties as deputy agriculture minister. “I feel proud and happy today to visit Pak Jokowi and meet face-to-face. We pray that President Jokowi is always granted health and success in all his affairs,” said Sudaryono, who is also the General Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI). Sudaryono emphasised the importance of maintaining synergy and continuity in governance so that various development programmes can run optimally and provide real benefits to the public. “And continuous synergy so that the government can run well, programmes can be implemented well. We always seek guidance,” he stated.