Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s strategic staple food security remains intact despite geopolitical tensions and El Niño risks, supported by strong domestic production, the National Food Agency (Bapanas) said.

“This is because the majority of public needs are met through domestic production,” Bapanas Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization I Gusti Ketut Astawa said in Jakarta on Sunday.

He referred to the Bapanas National Food Balance Projection for 2026, which indicates that Indonesia needs to import only three out of 10 strategic staple commodities. Domestic supply is expected to sufficiently meet household demand for rice, corn, chilies, chicken meat, eggs, and sugar.

Astawa also noted a consistent positive trend in national rice production, with output reaching around 34.7 million tonnes last year and approximately 12 million tonnes carried over into this year.

Based on these figures, the government projects national rice stocks to reach about 16 million tonnes by the end of 2026, assuming production remains at 34.7 million tonnes against consumption of 31.1 million tonnes.

He added that state logistics agency Bulog has been tasked with prioritizing rice procurement from local farmers to support the food self-sufficiency agenda. As a result, Indonesia has halted rice imports since 2025.

“Our rice reserves held by Bulog currently exceed four million tonnes, and we aim to procure an additional four million tonnes,” Astawa said, emphasizing the competitiveness of domestic rice.

The official also highlighted progress toward full self-sufficiency in corn, noting that imports for animal feed have ceased since last year.

He added that imports of strategic staple commodities are now limited to soybeans, garlic, and beef, while the government continues efforts to boost domestic production to achieve self-sufficiency.

Earlier, Bapanas Head and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman told lawmakers that Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency in several commodities supporting protein and carbohydrate intake.

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