Presidential Chief of Staff Reports National Rice Reserves at Strongest Level

Jakarta — The Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Muhammad Qodari has stated that rice reserves have reached 3.7 million tonnes, representing approximately 144 per cent of total national demand, making rice the strongest food reserve commodity.

“As of 9 March 2026, rice stocks are recorded at 3,743,740 tonnes, or approximately 144 per cent of demand, making rice the strongest reserve,” Qodari said at a press conference on the Implementation Update of the Best Results and Fast Implementation Programme (PHTC) and Preparation for Eid Holiday Travel at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He explained that total national rice availability reaches 27.99 million tonnes, comprising Bulog stocks of 3.76 million tonnes, community stocks of 12.5 million tonnes, and standing crops ready for harvest of 11.73 million tonnes in March 2026. This volume is projected to increase by 5 million tonnes within the next two months.

With this situation, Qodari stated that without accounting for future harvests, rice availability is estimated to be sufficient to meet national demand for the next 11 months.

“The estimate of rice availability for the next 11 months is based on current stocks and will continue to increase because the food self-sufficiency programme is continuously being carried out,” he said.

To maintain price stability and supply of foodstuffs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency (Bapanas), and State-Owned Enterprise Bulog have distributed 7.38 million tonnes of Supply and Price Stabilisation Rice (SPHP), with the largest distribution through government institutions and the Our Food Houses programme (RPK).

The Cheap Food Movement (GPM) will also be implemented across 38 provinces and 514 districts/municipalities as a measure to control inflation.

Qodari stated that the government is committed to sustaining food self-sufficiency by continuing to increase production, strengthening agricultural value-chain integration, and expanding export markets for foodstuffs.

Further, Qodari conveyed that President Prabowo Subianto will continually strengthen national food security as a preventative measure against potential crises, whether from disasters or global circumstances.

The government is not waiting for a crisis to occur but is already preparing a foundation so that when international turmoil occurs, including regional conflicts such as in the Middle East, Indonesia maintains strong food security.

“In the midst of today’s crisis, we can be said to be safe or otherwise. President Prabowo is therefore a highly visionary figure who is able to anticipate problems that will occur in the future,” Qodari concluded.