Semarang (ANTARA) – Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has assured that the recent decline in rice prices on the market will not affect farmers’ welfare.

Speaking during a visit to Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday, Sulaiman stated the government’s task is not easy — to ensure that farmers remain prosperous while keeping consumers satisfied.

To support farmers, the minister confirmed that the government will maintain the purchase price of unhusked rice at a minimum of Rp6,500 per kilogram.

Sulaiman stressed that the government has been working hard to ensure stability and comfort for all parties involved. Currently, he noted, rice stocks are high and prices are lower compared to the same period last year.

Indonesia has manage to avoid rice imports, while other countries are struggling with rice shortages, he added.

“The government has worked hard and was able to stop imports in a short time,” Sulaiman mentioned.

Responding to recent reports of rice price increases in certain areas, Sulaiman explained that the government immediately intervened to curb the surge. He expressed optimism that rice prices would continue to decline further over the next two to three weeks.

To ensure price and supply stability, the government will continue market operations through to December 2025, as national rice stockpile remains substantial.

“The public should remain patient, the supply is still very abundant,” he added.

Previously, State-owned logistics agency Bulog has mandated each of its warehouses to sell at least five tons of rice daily as part of its strategy to stabilize rice supply and prices in the community.

President Director of Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has urged warehouses to implement the policy by selling rice through the Food Supply and Price Distribution (SPHP) program either directly in front of the warehouses or by distributing it to markets.

He stated that accelerating the distribution of SPHP rice is necessary, noting that throughout 2025, only 230,945 tons of SPHP rice have been distributed, out of the 1.5 million ton target. This means the government must distribute another 1.269 million tons of SPHP rice to meet the target.

Published Date: August 23, 2025