Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government has ordered a nationwide inventory of government-distributed farm machinery to ensure it is properly used to support the country’s food self-sufficiency push.

“All agricultural machinery provided by the government must be strictly used for productive purposes,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said in a statement on Sunday.

He instructed provincial offices of the ministry’s Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency (BRMP) to submit detailed reports on the distribution and use of tractors, combine harvesters and other equipment.

The reports must outline the machinery’s condition, location and contribution to local farm output.

Sulaiman, who also heads the National Food Agency (Bapanas), warned that underutilized equipment could be redistributed to areas with greater need.

“We will take legal action against anyone selling the machinery, in coordination with law enforcers,” he said, stressing that misuse would not be tolerated.

He clarified that the machinery is not provided as free grants. Farmers may rent the equipment at competitive rates a policy aimed at raising productivity while protecting private rental businesses.

“We are taking a middle path: easing farmers’ costs without making the equipment free, so local businesses can continue to grow,” he said.

Last year, the government allocated Rp10 trillion (around US$637 million) for farm machinery assistance, including two- and four-wheeled tractors, combine harvesters, rice transplanters and water pumps.

Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2026

Published Date: March 2, 2026