Government Aims to Equalise Rice Prices Across Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, or Zulhas, has revealed the government’s plan to achieve economic justice through a policy of uniform rice prices across all regions of Indonesia. “Rice prices will later be equalised like petrol, so if there is already (a single price) for petrol in Madura, Medan, Java, rice will also have one price. Because Bulog has been given profits to subsidise (distant) areas,” Zulhas said in Yogyakarta on Thursday, 16 April 2026. He explained that the rice pricing scheme will follow the model of fuel oil (BBM) distribution, where people in various regions can enjoy the same price. Although this single-price policy will initially be implemented only for rice commodities, Zulhas stated that the government guarantees the current national food availability is in a very strong position. Currently, the national rice stock is recorded at 4.7 million tonnes, a figure that Zulhas claims is the highest stock in Indonesia’s history. Meanwhile, other commodities such as fish, chicken, and eggs are also ensured to be in a safe condition. He disclosed that domestic rice production during an extreme dry season alone can reach 30 million tonnes per year. Meanwhile, the annual rice consumption needs in the country are approximately 32 million tonnes. “Our stock is 4.7 million tonnes. So, at least 30 million plus 4.7 million tonnes,” he said. Zulhas also assessed that the threat of a food crisis due to the extreme El Nino Godzilla climate phenomenon and the still tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East currently does not affect the national rice reserves. “Insya Allah, rice stocks are still safe until the end of 2027,” he said. Zulhas added that the main focus of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is currently the welfare of the people amid economic uncertainties.