Zulhas Assures National Food Security Amid Middle East Conflict

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) has assured that food availability in the country remains secure despite the Middle East region being embroiled in conflict. Zulhas stated that Indonesia’s rice production has increased significantly, thus eliminating the need for imports. “Food is safe, even though there is war over there (in the Middle East). Our rice production in 2025 will rise by 4.2 million tonnes; we no longer need to import,” Zulhas said while attending the 68th anniversary of West Lombok Regency in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Friday (17/4/2026). Zulhas then touched on President Prabowo Subianto’s programme regarding food self-sufficiency. He claimed that the stable rice supply situation is the result of anticipatory measures taken by the government. “The President has anticipated the current situation through food self-sufficiency,” Zulhas added. In addition, Zulhas revealed that fertiliser supplies for farmers have increased compared to the previous year. The General Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) stated that fertiliser distribution is now more timely and sufficient to meet needs. “Fertiliser is timely and never insufficient, from six million to eleven million tonnes (this year),” said Zulhas. According to him, the increase in fertiliser availability will align with the rise in national food production. “This year, insyaallah, there will be even more. Rice, corn, eggs, fish, chicken, and vegetables will be abundant,” concluded the former Minister of Trade.