In an interview held on Friday, Sulaiman stated that over the past two years, the government had regularly imported rice to strengthen national reserves.
However, Indonesia has not imported rice this year despite the global food crisis. This is because the country’s current rice stock stands at around 4 million tons, double last year’s reserve of 2 million tons.
“God willing, there will be no imports because we have sufficient stock,” he said.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the rice harvest in 2025 is projected to reach 34-35 million tons, an increase of 4 million tons compared to previous years.
“This 4 million-ton increase has also raised farmers’ income by Rp60 trillion (US$3.6 billion). We are grateful for this. Under the President’s initiative, by simplifying regulations, improving production facilities, and easing fertilizer procurement, production has improved,” he explained.
Sulaiman also noted that the higher stock has had a positive effect on the Farmers’ Terms of Trade (NTP) this year, contributing to improved farmer welfare.
“The NTP, which reflects farmer welfare, has increased by 123 percent. This is an achievement we should appreciate. Despite market fluctuations, the government remains responsible for stabilizing prices,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) for South Sumatra and Bangka Belitung, Mersi Windrayani, reported that rice stocks in her region currently stand at 99,000 tons, enough to last for the next five to six months.
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Translator: Ahmad, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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