Zulhas: No Indonesian Foodstuffs Depend on the Middle East

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) has emphasised that Indonesia has no dependence on food imports from the Middle East. Zulhas stated that Indonesia’s food supplies are not impacted by the war between Israel and the United States (US) against Iran. “There is no (foodstuff) that depends on the Middle East, none,” said Zulhas when met at Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Saturday (28/3/2026). The majority of essential food needs are already met domestically. Rice stocks, for instance, are deemed secure and self-sufficient as of 2025. “Our rice is safe; last year we had a surplus of 4 million (tonnes), I think this year it will also be 4 million,” Zulhas remarked. Meanwhile, certain imported commodities like wheat and soybeans are sourced from countries not affected by the war. Wheat and soybeans, for example, are imported from European countries and the United States. “So food is safe, no problems at all,” Zulhas stressed. This is because food stocks are adequate and even in surplus, facing no issues whatsoever. “So there’s no need to worry, especially not to rush and buy in excess; it’s unnecessary,” Zulhas advised. After inspecting conditions at Pasar Minggu, he also concluded that supplies and prices of most foodstuffs are under control.