Speaking after a meeting with the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Sulaiman praised the agricultural workforce for ensuring national food security. “This is the result of our farmers’ hard work. I thank them—because of their dedication, we haven’t imported rice to date,” he said.
The minister noted that Indonesia imported up to four million tonnes of rice in 2024 across three separate shipments.
In contrast, this year’s domestic supply has proven sufficient, with national rice stock reaching 4 million tonnes as of September—double the amount recorded during the same period last year.
Sulaiman attributed the surge in stock to the farmers’ commitment to meeting domestic needs, supported by President Prabowo Subianto’s food security policies.
“This is a collective achievement. Our farmers are the backbone of this success,” he added.
Indonesia has set a production target of 32 million tonnes for 2025.
Statistics Indonesia estimates that output will reach 31.04 million tonnes by October, already surpassing last year’s total of 30 million tonnes.
International projections are even more optimistic: the USDA forecasts 34.6 million tonnes, while the FAO expects between 34 and 35 million tonnes.
“These projections exceed our targets, and they’re a testament to the strength and resilience of our farmers,” Sulaiman said.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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