Minister of Agriculture Amran: Food Stocks Safe for 324 Days Ahead, Rice Production 2.6–5.7 Million Tonnes per Month

Jakarta — Agriculture Minister (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that national food supplies are safe and under control. Based on the latest data as of March 2026, rice availability is considered ample to meet demand over the long term. Amran stated that national rice production ranges from 2.6 to 5.7 million tonnes per month, above the national average consumption of 2.59 million tonnes per month. Total national rice stock currently stands at 27.99 million tonnes, comprising BULOG’s stock of 3.76 million tonnes, community stocks of around 12.50 million tonnes, and standing crops of 11.73 million tonnes. Beyond ongoing production, these stocks are estimated to cover almost a year. “If we look at the data today, our food availability is very safe. Total national rice stock is sufficient for 324 days ahead, or about 10.8 months, so the public need not worry,” Minister Amran said at a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Central Office on Friday (6 March 2026). Amran explained that national rice production has shown a very positive trend. From January to May 2026, rice production reached about 16.92 million tonnes, with monthly production averaging between 2.6 and 5.7 million tonnes. According to Amran, the high production demonstrates that the national agricultural sector remains strong despite global challenges. “Our production remains safeguarded. In some months production can reach 5.7 million tonnes, so domestic supply is very strong,” he said. Additionally, the government-managed BULOG rice stock has continued to rise. Currently BULOG stock stands at 3.7 million tonnes, and is expected to exceed 5 million tonnes in the next two months as harvests come in from across regions. “We estimate that in the next two months BULOG stock could reach 5 million tonnes. This will further strengthen the government’s food reserves,” Amran said. Climate Phenomenon Anticipation Amran stressed that the government has taken various anticipatory measures to address potential drought due to climate phenomena. One measure is a pompanisation programme for agricultural land of 1.2 million hectares, and this year another 1 million hectares will be added. In addition, the government is preparing an additional pumping irrigation (irpom) for 1 million hectares to ensure water availability for rice crops amid potential dry seasons. “We anticipated drought risks from the outset through pompanisation. Last year 1.2 million hectares were covered, and this year we will add another 1 million hectares so production remains safeguarded,” Amran said. Separately, other staple commodities such as chicken and eggs are reported to be in surplus, further strengthening national food stability.