JAKARTA – Member of Commission IV DPR RI Daniel Johan supports President Prabowo Subianto’s policy of allowing Indonesia to export rice abroad. However, he reminded the government to prioritize national interests and the welfare of farmers before exporting rice.

“We support exports but it must be ensured that national needs are safe, and at least there is no more news about rice imports. The first and first priority is Indonesia’s independence and food sovereignty, after we achieve and exceed, we will export it,” said Daniel Johan, Thursday, January 24.

As is known, President Prabowo said that currently rice production in Indonesia is abundant and the government’s supply is more above existing needs. Because of this, he revealed, several countries have started to approach Indonesia to share rice supplies.

Prabowo allowed the delivery of rice or exports to other countries on the grounds of fulfilling the principles of humanity. Even when the rice is exported, Prabowo asks not to make too much profit, the important thing is to be able to return the capital is enough.

“But before opening the export tap, we ask the Government to ensure that the price of unhulled rice is purchased fairly, rice trading is controlled by the state, and there is no shortage that will only cloud public speculation and unrest,” he continued.

Daniel also reminded that food policies, especially rice, must unite in the framework of national resilience. “Because once we leave stock to the global market, domestic food prices can no longer be guaranteed by the spirit of the constitution, but will be determined by cold trade calculations and do not recognize social justice,” explained Daniel.

The member of the House of Representatives commission in charge of agriculture and food also touched on the data on the price of harvested dry unhulled rice (GKP) at the farmer level, which is currently below the Government Purchase Price (HPP), which is Rp. 6,500 per kg as set by the government. This condition, said Daniel, raises concerns that the national rice surplus has not been fully successful.

“The rice export policy cannot be separated from reality in the field. If farmers do not get a decent price, and food distribution is still controlled by a handful of perpetrators, then exports will only add to the gap in inequality,” he said.

In addition, Daniel also highlighted the history of Indonesia, which had experienced a food crisis, such as in 1998. He hopes that these experiences can be taken into consideration by the government.

“We have to learn from experience. Countries that rush to export food before the domestic system is strong face price spikes and social turmoil. Don’t let us repeat the same mistakes,” said the PKB legislator from the West Kalimantan I electoral district.

For this reason, Daniel reminded that export decisions must be based on fair and comprehensive calculations. This includes ensuring the availability of adequate food reserves before exporting, stable and profitable grain prices for farmers, and there is no shortage in the domestic market.

“In the constitution, food is the right of citizens. So, rice policies must depart from the spirit of protecting the people, not just to achieve trade profits,” said Daniel.

“The government must stand on justice for farmers as producers, the community as consumers, and the state as the guardian of stability,” he concluded.

Published Date: April 25, 2025