He said that with the current reserves, the country is moving closer to the strategic threshold of 4 million tons.
"Structured and sustainable collaborative steps between the government and (the National Logistics Agency) Bulog are clear evidence that rice self-sufficiency is no longer just a dream, but a reality that is getting closer to (being) realized," he added in a statement released on Monday.
He noted the significant role of Bulog in directly procuring and absorbing farmers' harvests in several regions across Indonesia.
The Bulog's aggressive strategy is considered effective in strengthening the government's rice reserve stock while maintaining the stability of grain prices at the farm level.
"We expect this kind of synergy to achieve sustainable food security," Sulaiman said.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that national rice production is projected to reach 18.76 million tons in the first half of 2025, an increase of 11.17 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.
The increase in production is inseparable from the success of government programs in expanding planting land, providing quality fertilizer subsidies at affordable prices, and distributing agricultural machine tools on a massive scale.
The government is also strengthening the agricultural sector through import control policies, which not only protect the harvests of local farmers, but also strengthen domestic production.
Meanwhile, the adoption of modern technology and precision agricultural practices is increasingly helping maximize crop yields in various main production centers. Strengthening national rice reserves is a concrete step toward food self-sufficiency, Sulaiman emphasized.
"With a strong synergy between the government, Bulog, and farmers, we are optimistic that the target of 4 million tons of rice reserves will soon be achieved. It shows that Indonesia is increasingly firm in maintaining food security," he added.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Arie Novarina
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