This step is taken to protect the interests of farmers and consumers, along by maintaining national food stability.
One of the main policies taken by the government is raising the HPP for unhusked rice to Rp6,500 (US$0.39) per kilogram, as a manifestation of the government's support for farmers, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, Sulaiman noted.
"We care about our farmers. Therefore, we decided to increase the HPP on the orders of the President," the minister conveyed in a statement on Sunday.
He considered the increase in the HPP has successfully boosted the Farmer's Exchange Rate (NTP), thereby improving farmer welfare, which also demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting agricultural businesses from price pressures.
Furthermore, the government ensures a sufficient rice supply with stocks of over four million tons, significantly higher than the 2023–2024 stock of only one million tons, which required Indonesia to import the commodity, he added.
He also dismissed the claim stating government has neglected the surge in rice prices, pointing out specific steps and strategic policies designed to protect farmers and consumers.
In addition, he explained that although Japan experienced a significant increase in rice prices, Indonesia is seeing a price decline in 13 provinces due to the government's efforts to control the market, including through low-cost market operations with the distribution of 1.3 million tons of rice under the Food Price Supply Stability (SPHP) program from July to December 2025.
The government urged the public not to be easily provoked by negative issues, emphasizing that these efforts reflect a genuine commitment to farmers and consumers while protecting the people’s interests and national food security.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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