"Our stock is sufficient, especially for rice stocks, with two million tons at Bulog," he remarked after attending a meeting on food production readiness ahead of Christmas, New Year, and the 2025 planting season in Jakarta on Monday.
Sulaiman revealed that other commodities, such as eggs, chicken, and chilies, are also said to have met sufficient stocks at stable prices.
He then highlighted the results of his visits to several regions that showed a positive trend toward the stability of strategic commodity prices, including the chili price, which had decreased significantly.
Hence, his side will continue to monitor developments and synergize with various parties to maintain the availability and affordability of food during the year-end period.
For 2025, Sulaiman affirmed that the ministry has prepared strategic steps to support President Prabowo Subianto's program, including discussing subsidized fertilizers, improving irrigation, supporting nutritious food programs, and especially focusing on strategies to realize food self-sufficiency.
"We are working hard in order to achieve food sufficiency as soon as possible according to the president's mandate," the minister remarked.
Related news: Minister ensures sufficient rice stocks ahead of Christmas, New Year
Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, also ensured sufficient food stocks for Christmas and New Year.
He ensured an adequate supply of rice, salt, sugar, chicken, and eggs.
"The food stocks for Christmas and New Year are safe," he stated on December 10.
Hasan highlighted that the government would also intervene in any price increase in food commodities through transportation cost subsidies provided by the local government.
He remarked that the national rice stock currently reaches 8.5 million tons from the state-owned logistic company (Bulog), the community, and retailers.
Moreover, Hasan noted that next year's rice production is estimated to reach 32 million tons and is sufficient to meet the consumption needs.
Related news: BPOM intensifies food surveillance ahead of Christmas and New Year
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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