El Niño on the Horizon, Amran Assures Food Stocks Remain Secure
The government is preparing anticipatory measures to address the potential impacts of El Niño by strengthening food stocks and production. This situation positions Indonesia as remaining secure amid the threat of a global food crisis.
Head of the National Food Agency Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that national food security is currently supported by robust domestic production. Rice dominance serves as the primary indicator in maintaining supply stability.
“The global food crisis due to El Niño can be faced by us. Indonesia, alhamdulillah, while other countries are anxious. This is thanks to the President’s policies. Remember, we have achieved self-sufficiency in protein and carbohydrates,” said Amran, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, on Friday (14/4/2026).
Amran explained that self-sufficiency has been achieved in several strategic commodities such as rice, broiler eggs, chicken meat, and feed maize. Horticultural commodities like shallots and chillies also demonstrate production independence, and even cooking oil has penetrated export markets.
The structure of societal consumption further supports food security. Data from the Desired Food Pattern 2025 records that consumption of grains exceeds 50 per cent, followed by animal-based foods at 12.7 per cent and oils and fats at 12.4 per cent.
“Self-sufficiency means that when a country imports a maximum of 10 per cent of its needs. This country does not import medium rice, meaning perfect self-sufficiency. If there is self-sufficiency plus, yes, this is it this year,” said Amran.
The strengthening of food security is also evident from the surge in government rice reserves. Absorption of domestic production has driven stocks to the highest level in history.
Bapanas records that rice stocks as of 16 April 2026 reached 4.8 million tonnes, consisting of government reserves of 4.78 million tonnes and commercial stocks of 19.9 thousand tonnes. Domestic procurement realisation has exceeded 2.04 million tonnes.
Agricultural sector performance is also reflected in the Farmers’ Exchange Rate, which has consistently been above 120 since July 2024. The highest index in the last seven years was recorded in December 2025 and February 2026 at 126.11.
In the 2025 food balance projection, rice production reaches 34.69 million tonnes, surpassing consumption needs of 31.16 million tonnes, thus no imports are required. Broiler chicken meat production is 4.29 million tonnes and broiler eggs 6.54 million tonnes, both above national needs.
Feed maize production records a surplus of 16.16 million tonnes, higher than the need of 15.23 million tonnes. This condition ends the import needs that occurred in 2024.
The government assesses that production readiness and reserves form the main foundation in facing potential climate disruptions. The food sector is prioritised to maintain national stability amid global dynamics.