DPR Member Demands Government Transparency on 1,000-Tonne Rice Import from the US

Member of Commission IV from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction in the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Johan Rosihan, has called on the government to openly explain its commitment to import 1,000 tonnes of rice from the United States under a bilateral trade agreement. He affirmed that Commission IV would examine the issue objectively, prioritising the protection of farmers and national food security.

Johan assessed that the volume of 1,000 tonnes of rice is relatively small compared to national production. However, he stressed that trade in strategic food commodities must still be closely monitored to prevent market disruption or downward pressure on farmers’ grain prices.

“We do not want this polemic to become politically biased. The most important thing is to ensure that any policy does not disrupt the absorption of farmers’ grain, does not suppress prices at the producer level, and does not undermine the momentum of domestic production,” Johan said in a statement on Tuesday (24/2/2026).

He said Commission IV of the DPR RI would request a technical explanation from the government in an official forum to ensure the commitment does not contradict the direction of strengthening self-sufficiency and food sovereignty.

Johan also emphasised that oversight of food policy must be carried out carefully and based on data, including maintaining price stability and optimising the role of Bulog (the National Logistics Agency) in procurement.

“Food security is a matter of national sovereignty. Politics may have differing opinions, but food must not be disrupted. Commission IV will remain focused on ensuring strong national production and the protection of farmers,” he asserted.

Johan added that Commission IV would continue to oversee food policy to ensure it serves the interests of the people, whilst maintaining national stability amid the dynamics of global trade.