Indonesia Nearly Free from Food Imports, Only Three Commodities Left

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The government states that Indonesia’s food security is strengthening in 2026. The majority of food needs are now fulfilled from domestic production. Based on the National Food Balance Projection for 2026, out of 10 strategic commodities, only two to three still depend on imports. Major commodities such as rice, corn, chillies, shallots, up to chicken meat and eggs no longer require imports for consumption. Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilisation of Bapanas, I Gusti Ketut Astawa, said that rice production is the main pillar. The national stock is considered very large and secure. “Our rice is very good, last year’s production was 34.7 million tonnes. The target for 2026, carry-over stock to 2027 up to 16 million tonnes. This is very large,” said Ketut. The projection shows the initial stock for 2026 at 12.4 million tonnes plus production of 34.7 million tonnes, with needs around 31.1 million tonnes. This calculation ensures the end stock remains high and provides room for supply security. The government also relies on paddy absorption by Perum Bulog to maintain stability. All Bulog’s rice stock since 2025 is said to come from domestic production. “Our rice reserves at Bulog now exceed 4 million tonnes. We will absorb another 4 million tonnes. This means from the production side, the paddy is very good,” said Ketut. Outside of rice, feed corn has also achieved self-sufficiency after imports were stopped since 2025. Domestic production is deemed sufficient to meet feed industry needs. “Our feed corn is self-sufficient. Our chicken meat is strong, our eggs are strong, our chillies are strong, our shallots are strong,” said Ketut.