Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said on December 9 that the national rice stock has reached eight million tonnes by the end of 2024, so there will be no need for additional imports, including for the next year.

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said on December 9 that the national rice stock has reached eight million tonnes by the end of 2024, so there will be no need for additional imports, including for the next year.

The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) alone has stock of two million tonnes, he said.

Hasan stated that the government has decided to stop rice imports and produce up to 32 million tonnes of rice in 2025, which is much higher than the domestic need of 31 million tonnes. The remaining rice will be stored in the Government Food Reserve.

The plan to stop imports was also included in the 2025 commodity balance, according to the minister.

Meanwhile, head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi affirmed that Indonesia will not continue with rice import as national rice stocks are already sufficient.

The stocks at Bulog are currently more than sufficient and have also been reduced by 220,000 tonnes for food aid.

At present, the nation must focus on preparing for the main harvest, which is expected to reach 12 – 13 million tonnes at the end of February – March, he added.

VNA

Published Date: December 11, 2024