East Java cited as Indonesia's highest maize contributor
Banyuwangi — East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has stated that the province has become the nation’s highest contributor of maize, with this achievement realised through collaboration amongst various parties, including the Scouting Movement (Gerakan Pramuka), which has strengthened the national food security programme.
“East Java has already surpassed food security and is now moving towards food sovereignty. This is thanks to the collaboration of all parties,” she said during the fourth-quarter maize harvest at Green Farm in Karangsari Village, Sempu District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, on Saturday.
Khofifah revealed that East Java’s production of shelled dry maize in 2025 reached 4.8 million tonnes, nearly double that of Central Java, which ranked second with 2.8 million tonnes, followed by North Sumatra with 1.3 million tonnes.
According to her, East Java’s contribution to national maize production approaches 30 per cent, meaning nearly one-third of Indonesia’s shelled dry maize demand is supplied by East Java farmers.
“I appreciate the support from all parties, from the Regional Police Commander of East Java, the Banyuwangi Regent, to the Scouting Movement across East Java, which has contributed to strengthening food security in the region,” Khofifah said.
East Java Regional Police Commander Irjen Pol Nanang Avianto, who also attended the harvest event in Banyuwangi, stated that increased maize production must be accompanied by quality improvements.
“Going forward, we will strengthen marketing support so that it has a direct impact on farmers’ welfare,” he said.
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani said his regency consistently records maize surplus. In 2025, maize production reached 250,596.81 tonnes, up 19 per cent from 209,078 tonnes in 2024, whilst local demand stands at 69,842.31 tonnes, leaving Banyuwangi with a maize surplus of 180,754.50 tonnes in 2025.
In addition to maize, Ipuk noted that Banyuwangi’s rice production also consistently generates surplus. In the same year of 2025, rice production in the regency reached 546,923.81 tonnes, up 7 per cent from the previous year, with a surplus of 383,258.03 tonnes.
“Alhamdulillah Banyuwangi always records surplus; I am proud of the hard work of all parties, from farmers to local government and police and military personnel. May this harvest bring blessing and new spirit to continue increasing production,” he said.
The maize harvest at Green Farm in Banyuwangi is the result of planting maize across 50 hectares in November 2025, with average maize production reaching 8–10 tonnes per hectare.