“With low inflation and stable rice reserves, we are optimistic that Indonesia can achieve food self-sufficiency,” said Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), in a statement issued on Friday.
Adi noted that Indonesia’s 2024 inflation rate stands at 1.57 percent—the lowest in the country’s history—indicating successful efforts to stabilize food prices.
He added that the country’s government rice reserves have reached 3.1 million tons, the highest level since Indonesia’s independence, providing a solid foundation for food security.
“Since 1958, Indonesia's inflation has never been as low as 1.57 percent. This is supported by record-high rice availability, which now stands at 3.1 million tons,” he said.
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According to Adi, increasing national food production remains a top priority, along with efforts to improve farmer welfare—the focus of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
“Mr. Prabowo is very concerned about farmers’ well-being. We want to increase production, but we also want our farmers to prosper,” he affirmed.
Adi emphasized that Indonesia’s food security must be built on principles of independence and sovereignty, with availability, affordability, and accessibility as its three main pillars. The ultimate goal, he said, is food self-sufficiency.
He also pointed out that while rice prices are rising in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines, Indonesia’s situation remains stable.
The purchase price for farmers’ grain in the country is currently set at Rp6,500 (approximately US$0.39) per kilogram, with stable stock levels in place.
Thanks to coordinated efforts from technical ministries, Indonesia is projected to have a rice surplus of 1.68 million tons through May 2025, he said.
“However, this must be maintained. If we fail to sustain the current 6.61 million hectares of planted area, production could fall below national demand, which averages 2.5 to 2.6 million tons per month,” Adi warned.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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