Facing Godzilla El Niño, Indonesia's Rice Stock Claimed Safe for 15 Months

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has guaranteed that the national rice stock is in a safe condition to face the threat of the “Godzilla” El Niño. The government has calculated that reserves and production can maintain supplies for more than a year ahead. He explained that the current national rice stock stands at 5,198,000 tonnes, supported by ongoing production and reserves across various sectors, including households and the food industry. This calculation forms the basis for the government’s optimism in maintaining food stability amid the potential for prolonged drought. “We are now facing the Godzilla El Niño for around six months. Our stock is five million tonnes, the largest in history,” said Amran in Karawang on Thursday (23/4/2026). He elaborated that food security does not only come from government warehouse stocks but also from reserves in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector (horeka), as well as production that continues during the dry season. The total national availability is said to reach tens of millions of tonnes. Amran detailed that the total reserves equate to consumption needs for months, even exceeding the duration of the anticipated drought. “28 million tonnes is equivalent to 11 months. Whereas the drought is around six months. That means it’s safe, because the resilience is longer than the dry duration,” he stated. The government is also relying on sustainable production during the dry season through irrigation support and pump systems. This production serves as an important addition to keep supplies stable.