Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic rice stocks before considering exporting even though rice production is currently experiencing a significant increase, to maintain food security.
He noted that though rice production increased significantly, bringing the current stocks to 3.18 million tons, the Ministry of Agriculture is still focusing on strengthening the stocks to meet domestic demands.
This was conveyed on the sidelines of a coordination meeting with agricultural extension workers held online and offline in Jakarta on Saturday.
The minister affirmed that the government will consider exporting rice if the domestic needs are truly met, given the presence of climate challenges that can affect national food production.
Sulaiman highlighted the importance of anticipating extreme conditions by learning from the experience of other countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, which experienced food stock issues due to climate uncertainties and extreme weather.
He also emphasized that Indonesia is currently on the right track towards food self-sufficiency, with a strong commitment to maintaining food security amid global challenges that are increasingly dynamic.
"We must anticipate the worst. Do not let what happened to Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines happen to us," he said.
Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto gave permission for Indonesia to export rice to several countries as the rice production in the country is currently in excess.
Nevertheless, he did not mention which countries will import rice from Indonesia.
Recently, the Malaysian government conveyed its interest in importing rice from Indonesia.
"I received a report from the Agriculture Minister, Coordinating Minister for Food, that several countries requested us to send rice. I allow it," he said at the launch of the Indonesian Planting Movement in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, on Wednesday (April 23).
