"When I was serving as trade minister, global rice prices stood at US$650 per ton. After we enforced the import ban, prices fell to below US$400. Our policy has had global impacts," Hasan said.
He said Indonesia was previously among the world's largest rice importers before shifting policy by boosting domestic production under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Hasan noted that Indonesia imported 4.5 million tons of rice last year, while in 2025 the country recorded a surplus of 4.7 million tons. State-run logistics firm Bulog is currently holding about 3.7 million tons of rice.
Data from the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs show national rice production reached 34.77 million tons this year, an increase of 13.54 percent from last year.
The ministry also recorded corn production at 16.55 million tons this year, up 9.34 percent from 2024.
Hasan attributed the gains to regulatory simplification, particularly in the procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizers, which has allowed farmers to receive supplies in line with planting schedules.
"Farmers can now receive fertilizers ahead of the planting season. This has had a significant impact on national rice production," he said.
Indonesia is expected to achieve rice self-sufficiency in early 2026, Hasan added.
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Translator: Maria C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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