• Oleh – Naura Sofia Rahmanita
• Editor – Lasti Martina

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman announced that Indonesia has secured a strong foundation for rice self-sufficiency and is preparing to export surplus stocks to several countries.

The statement was made during the National Agricultural Coordination Meeting (Rakor) at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

National rice procurement in January rose 78 percent from previous periods, bringing current stocks to about 3.5 million tons. With production projected to increase by 15 percent during the March harvest, the minister said the stock could reach 6 million tons within three months. “If this trend holds for just the next three months, our stock will almost certainly hit 6 million tons. This has never happened since our independence,” Minister Amran said.

If production remains consistent throughout the year, the surplus could reach 9 million tons. Minister Amran urged officials not to be complacent, stressing the need to maintain and increase production.

With strong stock projections, the government has begun exploring export opportunities to the Philippines, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Papua New Guinea. “If there are no obstacles in the next three months, we are ready to export. We will even push exports from the eastern region directly to Papua New Guinea,” he said.

President Prabowo Subianto has conveyed Indonesia’s progress in international forums, noting the country’s success in reducing imports and strengthening food sovereignty.

Minister Amran emphasized that long-term sustainability depends on structural programs such as Rice Field Creation (Cetak Sawah) and Land Optimization (Oplah).

In 2025, the government realized 200,000 hectares under the Cetak Sawah program, and the target for 2026 has been set at 250,000 hectares. The Oplah initiative has revitalized hundreds of thousands of hectares over the past three years, boosting production capacity. “This is what makes our self-sufficiency sustainable. It can last at least 5 to 7 years, or even 10 years if continued,” he said.

Currently, nine commodities have achieved self-sufficiency. Consumer sugar is expected to follow this year, while industrial sugar is targeted within three to four years. Soybeans and garlic remain priorities, with garlic considered more immediately achievable. “Soybeans and garlic are our next focus. Soybeans are more difficult, but garlic is relatively easy. We will complete them one by one,” Minister Amran said.

The minister expressed appreciation to regional agricultural officials, calling them “food heroes” for their role in achieving self-sufficiency and boosting national production.

He urged them to maintain momentum, accelerate program implementation, and ensure effective supervision to safeguard the surplus and meet export targets. “You are the best sons and daughters of the nation who have achieved food self-sufficiency. Now our task is to maintain and increase it,” Minister Amran concluded.

Published Date: February 26, 2026