Tani Merdeka Chairman: Prabowo-Sudaryono's Surprise Inspection of Bulog Warehouses Dispels Doubts on Rice Self-Sufficiency
The decisive action by President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono, in conducting a surprise inspection (sidak) of several Bulog warehouses is seen as tangible proof of the government’s seriousness in achieving rice self-sufficiency.
Tani Merdeka Indonesia Chairman Don Muzakir views the inspection as addressing various doubts that have arisen in the public sphere, including criticisms claiming the self-sufficiency target is difficult to achieve. Direct field monitoring results indicate that national rice stocks are in a safe and controlled condition.
“The President’s direct descent to the field shows that the government does not work based on assumptions, but on real data. This is important for dispelling public doubts about self-sufficiency,” said Don Muzakir in Jakarta on Sunday (19/4/2026).
During the inspection, Prabowo and Sudaryono ensured that the quality and quantity of government rice reserves remained maintained. They also engaged directly in dialogue with Bulog officials to confirm that distribution was running smoothly and that no accumulation or shortages were occurring in certain areas.
Sudaryono’s presence, known for his closeness to farmers, also strengthens synergy between upstream production and downstream stock management. This is considered a key factor in maintaining national food stability.
Don Muzakir also assessed that the inspection indirectly refutes pessimistic narratives previously voiced by some parties doubting rice self-sufficiency achievements. With filled warehouses and monitored distribution systems, the government is deemed to be on the right track.
“If you see the field conditions directly like this, it’s hard to say that self-sufficiency is just rhetoric. This is concrete evidence,” he added.
He noted that the government has affirmed its commitment to continuously strengthening domestic production through various strategic programmes, from expanding planting areas and improving irrigation to direct support for farmers.
“With such steps, optimism for achieving rice self-sufficiency is growing stronger, while also emphasising that food security is the top priority under President Prabowo’s leadership,” stated Don Muzakir.
Previously, Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono accompanied President Prabowo Subianto on a surprise inspection to the Perum Bulog Danurejo Warehouse Complex in Magelang Regency, Central Java, on Saturday (18/4).
Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono, or Mas Dar as he is affectionately known, explained that the inspection was conducted to ensure the availability of Government Rice Reserves (CBP) remained safe and ready for distribution to maintain national food supply and price stability.
During the visit, the entourage directly observed the warehouse conditions, which has a capacity of 7,000 tonnes and is currently fully stocked. This reflects the readiness of stocks to meet community needs, especially in Central Java.
“So this visit is sudden, with no prior notice, just dropping by, to find out what the actual records are like. Even the Bulog leadership was deliberately not informed so we could know the true situation on the ground. And it turns out it’s impressive; our government rice reserve stocks are indeed high, Bulog warehouses everywhere are full,” he stated.
“Yesterday I also inspected other Bulog warehouses, including the Agriculture Minister’s inspections in Makassar, Bone, and elsewhere—they’re all full. That’s the note,” added Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono.
Furthermore, Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono stated that from the production side, national performance shows a very positive trend. National rice production in 2025 was recorded to have increased by 4.07 million tonnes or 13.29 per cent, supported by expanded harvested areas and various agricultural sector strengthening policies.
“Government Rice Reserves (CBP) until April 2026 reached around 4.8 million tonnes, the highest in history, and continue moving towards 5 million tonnes. This achievement forms the main foundation in maintaining domestic supply and price stability,” stated Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono, who is also the son of a farmer from Grobogan, Central Java.