PT RMI Supports Sugar Self-Sufficiency Through 1.55 Million Tonnes Sugarcane Milling

Blitar (ANTARA) - PT Rejoso Manis Indo (RMI), a sugar mill under the Mitr Phol Group, is supporting national sugar self-sufficiency by targeting the milling of 1.55 million tonnes of sugarcane during the 2026 milling season. Vice President Director of PT Rejoso Manis Indo-Mitr Phol Group, Syukur Iwantoro, stated that this year’s weather has been favourable for sugarcane growth. The suitable climate has allowed the crop to thrive. ‘The conditions have been more conducive from planting to now. The climate is ideal for sugarcane, with planting during the rainy season, rejuvenation, and harvesting in the dry season. This is perfect for the crop,’ he said during the ‘Manten tebu’ tradition ceremony marking the start of the 2026 milling season at PT RMI’s facility in Rejoso Village, Binangun District, Blitar Regency, East Java, on Saturday. He stated that for the 2026 crushing season, the company aims to process 1.55 million tonnes of sugarcane with a minimum 8% to up to 9% recovery rate. With this sugarcane volume and recovery rate, the company expects to produce between 128,000 and 135,000 tonnes of white crystalline sugar. The target is optimistic to be achieved, given the company’s crushing capacity of 10,000 tonnes of cane per day (TCD), which aligns with the planned output. He added that the 2026 sugar production target is better than 2025, when unfavourable weather led to production falling short of 100,000 tonnes. ‘This year’s conditions are good. Sugarcane is highly dependent on climate; good weather means a good harvest,’ he said. The company is also supporting the government’s sugar self-sufficiency programme. National sugar demand stands at 6.5 to 6.7 million tonnes annually, and RMI’s production contributes to meeting this need. He added that the company continuously supports sugarcane farmers to improve their crop quality. ‘We provide ongoing guidance and training to farmers, along with incentives, including payment systems and fair pricing in line with government regulations,’ he said. Meanwhile, Blitar Regent Rijanto, who attended the event, added that the local government is also supporting improved sugar production. The government is facilitating ratoon cutting and the planting of superior sugarcane seedlings to enhance crop quality. ‘Farmers have worked hard; we guide and assist them with ratoon cutting and planting superior seedlings. If these efforts are coordinated well, sugarcane production will improve in the future,’ he said. He expressed hope that improved sugarcane quality would boost sugar production, thereby enhancing farmers’ welfare. ‘What was already good will become even better each year. This is part of the national food security strategy, a presidential programme we must support,’ said the Regent. Alongside the Manten tebu tradition, a declaration by Blitar Regency Sugarcane Farmers’ Community, represented by 10 company partner farmers, was made, expressing hopes to the central government to strengthen the national sugar industry ecosystem. Attendees included Deputy Regent Beky Herdihansah, Patani (Indonesian Farmer’s Guide) Chairman Sarjan Tahir, and other guests.