Rice stocks are abundant; Ministry of Agriculture opens up greater rice export opportunities

Jakarta — The national rice production, which has been rising, could generate a larger surplus this year. The government is opening export options to maintain domestic supply balance if the surplus continues to increase.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said export opportunities would arise if rice production significantly exceeds domestic needs. ‘If the surplus is 8 million tonnes, what would be the solution, I wonder?’ Amran said during a dialogue with reporters in Jakarta on Friday, 6 March 2026.

Amran explained that the national food reserves are currently at a strong level. The Ministry of Agriculture’s calculations show reserves available for around 324 days, supported by government stocks, supply in the trade and hotel-restaurant sectors, and ongoing production each month.

The reserves include the government rice stock at Bulog around 3.76 million tonnes, as well as production from land entering harvest season. National rice production also continues to run within a range of 2.6 million tonnes to 5.7 million tonnes per month.

‘Our reserves at present are sufficient for 324 days. At the same time, production continues each month at around 2.6 million tonnes, and could even reach 5.7 million tonnes,’ Amran said.

According to Amran, rice is the main pillar of national food security because its share accounts for around 65 to 70 percent of consumption by Indonesians. Stabilising rice supply is a key factor in maintaining national food security.

Amran also noted that the government stock of rice currently stands at around 3.76 million tonnes. In the next two months, stock is expected to rise to at least 5 million tonnes as harvest seasons begin in several regions.

‘Today our stock is 3.76 million tonnes. This is the highest on record for the March position,’ Amran said.