Rice Production in Merauke Soars, Prices Drop to Rp15,500 per Kg

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Rice prices in Merauke Regency, South Papua, have reportedly fallen to Rp13,500-15,500 per kg. Previously, according to the Head of the Merauke Regency Agriculture Office, Yosefa Rumaseu, rice prices in the region reached Rp26,500 per kg.

The price drop was triggered by a surge in rice production in Merauke. Yosefa said this proves that the government’s smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes in Merauke Regency have succeeded in increasing production and stabilising rice prices at the community level.

"The decline in rice prices is a tangible impact of the increased production generated through the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes, which are fully supported by the central government," Yosefa said in an official statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday (23/6/2026).

"Before these programmes, rice prices in Merauke were quite high, even reaching around Rp26,500 per kilogramme. After the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation activities commenced, rice sold at stalls and markets dropped and now hovers around Rp15,500 per kilogramme," he continued.

Yosefa added that the most important outcome is that people can now buy rice at more affordable prices, while farmers still benefit from increased production.

According to Yosefa, agricultural development programmes have actually been carried out for a long time. However, since 2024, central government support through the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes has further accelerated the utilisation of Merauke’s agricultural land potential.

"In 2024, with the full attention of the central government, all existing potential was increasingly empowered through the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes. Resource support was enormous, ranging from agricultural tools and machinery, fertilisers, to various other production facilities," he said.

The impact of the programme is clearly visible in the 2025 production figures. Data from the Central Statistics Agency shows rice production in South Papua Province increased by 66.46 percent compared to the previous year. In 2024, rice production was recorded at 124,355.12 tonnes with a paddy harvest area of 47,168.57 hectares. Meanwhile, in 2025, rice production rose to 207,006.95 tonnes with a harvest area reaching 79,433.92 hectares, an increase of 68.40 percent.

"With the major programme run by the President and the Minister of Agriculture, our production increased by about 65 percent compared to before. This production increase has strengthened the rice supply so that prices at the community level are more stable and affordable," Yosefa stated.

He added that the programme’s success is felt not only by consumers but also by farmers. According to him, the production increase has managed to maintain a balance between price affordability for the public and improved farmer welfare.

"There has been a decline in rice prices, making it easier for people to afford, but on the other hand, farmer welfare has also improved. This programme encourages a shift in farming patterns from traditional to more modern methods. The value of farming has increased and people can obtain rice at more affordable prices," he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the Head of the Food Security, Livestock and Animal Health Office of Merauke Regency, Martha Bayu.

"The local government continues to monitor rice prices routinely through enumerator officers who record and report daily to the National Food Agency," Martha said.

"For premium rice, the highest retail price is Rp15,800 per kilogramme, while medium rice is Rp15,500 per kilogramme," she stated.

Based on monitoring results in markets in Merauke City and several other areas, rice prices generally remain below the government’s stipulated Highest Retail Price.

"From our observations, rice prices sold in markets and stalls are still below the HET, for both premium and medium rice," she said.

"There are indeed certain types of rice sold at higher prices due to transportation and distribution factors, especially to remote areas. But generally, rice prices in Merauke remain under control and in accordance with government regulations," Martha explained.

According to her, the success of the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes not only impacts production increases but also greatly helps maintain price stability and food affordability for the community.

"If we talk in terms of food availability, price stabilisation, and price affordability for the community, the land optimisation and smallholder rice field printing programmes are very helpful. Facts on the ground show rice prices remain at a level that complies with government regulations and stays affordable for the public," she said.

The positive impact of the programme was also directly felt by Fransiskus Gebze, a farmer and holder of customary land rights in Merauke Regency. He admitted that rice prices, which were previously very high, are now increasingly affordable because paddy production continues to rise.

"Previously, rice prices were very expensive; now people can buy it for around Rp15,000 per kilogramme, down from Rp20,000. So I am grateful the government opened land here," Fransiskus said.

According to him, the expansion of planting areas carried out by the government has significantly increased paddy production, ensuring the rice supply in Merauke is more secure.

"Paddy production continues to increase as the land is expanded. That is why rice prices in Merauke are now more stable," he stated.

The success of the smallholder rice field printing and land optimisation programmes in Merauke demonstrates that production increases and price stabilisation can go hand in hand. With central government support, agricultural modernisation, and the active involvement of farmers on the ground, Merauke is not only strengthening its position as one of the national food barns but also proving that increased production can deliver more affordable food.