Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said he has coordinated directly with Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf to ensure a swift, coordinated response before sealing 250 tons of illegally imported rice in Sabang.

“No tolerance for illegal imports. If there’s no permit, that’s it,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The seizure was conducted after authorities verified and coordinated with local officials that the shipment had no government approval. The seizure followed reports of rice entering Sabang without government permission, he added.

Amran emphasized the operation reflected a policy under President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia does not need rice imports due to historically strong domestic stockpiles.

After confirming the report, Amran coordinated with multiple agencies, including the Aceh police chief, regional military commander, trade minister, and national police, ensuring a unified enforcement effort against the illegal shipment.

Verification confirmed the rice had no import license from the central government. Police then sealed the 250 tons immediately, Amran said.

“The state must act firmly. This concerns national honor, compliance with the President’s directives, and protection of 160 million farmers,” he added.

Indonesia’s rice production reached 34.7 million tons, the highest in recent years, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS). Government stockpiles at Bulog reached 3.8 million tons, the agency’s largest ever.

Aceh also has a surplus, with 1.35 million tons available versus 667,700 tons needed, a surplus of 871,400 tons. Sabang alone has 970 tons more than local requirements.

Given this abundance, Amran stressed that imports are unnecessary. “National, Aceh, and Sabang stocks are secure. Any illegal import is not about demand. It’s a violation, and the state will act decisively,” he said.

Investigators found anomalies, including a coordination meeting in Jakarta on Nov. 14 showing the import request had been rejected. Thailand had already issued export permission, suggesting deliberate misconduct.

Authorities will trace the shipment’s route, identify involved companies, and investigate possible networks in other regions, including Batam.

“This case is a strong warning. No compromise on national food security,” Amran concluded.

Published Date: November 26, 2025