"On this Independence Day, we should use this momentum to make a leap in all commodities, especially food. God willing, this year we can achieve food self-sufficiency," he stated at the Independence Day ceremony here Sunday.
According to him, this target is made possible by the support of President Prabowo Subianto, and the hard work of all ranks within the ministry and farmers in the field.
Sulaiman noted that by September 2025, the national rice production is projected to have a surplus of 4.86 million tons. Rice stocks at the state logistics agency (Bulog) have also reached 4.2 million tons.
This figure is the highest in the history of independent Indonesia. Furthermore, the Farmer's Exchange Rate (NTP) increased by 122 percent, exceeding the government's target, he continued.
Related news: RI leading in rice production in Southeast Asia: minister
Furthermore, the ministry also successfully reclaimed its Unqualified Opinion (WTP), the best audit grade, from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), after previously holding the Qualified Opinion (WDP) position.
Bureaucratic reform within the Ministry of Agriculture also recorded a significant jump from 79.64 to 85.12.
In addition, the results of the Integrity Assessment Survey (SPI) from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) increased from 66.79 to 74.46.
"This achievement has received recognition from various international institutions, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the FAO, and Statistics Indonesia (BPS)," Sulaiman remarked.
Indonesia also contributes to global food stability, in addition to maintaining domestic food security, he added.
Sulaiman explained that since January 2025, Indonesia has stopped importing rice, impacting the global price of rice, which dropped from USD460 to USD370 per ton.
"Indonesian farmers are not only improving the welfare of their nation, but also contributing to maintaining global food stability," he stated.
According to him, Indonesia is on the right track to become a food-secure nation.
"Without food, the country can be in trouble. By having food self-sufficiency, this nation stands tall. This is the true meaning of self-sufficiency, which we will achieve this year," he disclosed.
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Translator: Muhamad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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