Indonesia moves confidently towards food self-sufficiency

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Amid evolving global challenges, from geopolitical tensions to climate change, the Indonesian government unwaveringly demonstrates its commitment to national food security.

Concrete measures continue to be taken to ensure food stocks are sufficient and evenly distributed across the country. The long-term goal is also clear: to achieve food self-sufficiency independently and sustainably.

The government is optimistic that the production of main foods, such as rice, corn, and meat, will experience a surplus by the end of 2025. This optimism is not without merit but is based on data and production trends that show a significant increase in 2025.

According to data from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) as of May 4, 2025, national rice stocks rose sharply, from 8.4 million tons at the start of the year to 14.8 million tons by the end of May 2025.

A similar increase was also recorded in corn, which grew from 3.5 million tons to 5.8 million tons. Chicken meat stocks jumped from 83 thousand tons to 548 thousand tons, while the stocks of ruminant meat (beef and buffalo meat) increased from 65 thousand tons to 114 thousand tons.

Furthermore, it is projected that by the end of 2025, total rice availability will reach 41.2 million tons. With national consumption only standing at 3.8 million tons, a surplus of 469 thousand tons is expected.

Meanwhile, ruminant meat production is estimated to reach 1.1 million tons, with consumption of 766 thousand tons, resulting in a surplus of 345 thousand tons.

This surplus forms an important foundation for the country's stability in maintaining food security.

For the community, this achievement is more than just a number in a statistical report; it symbolizes the state's presence in ensuring that people's basic needs are met, especially when several other countries are facing a food crisis triggered by weather, among other factors.

During a Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the national food policy has produced tangible results so far.

Several world leaders have begun recognizing Indonesia's success in maintaining food stability amid various global pressures. According to the president, this international recognition cannot be separated from the hard work and synergy of all elements of the nation in building a resilient food system.

Nevertheless, the government acknowledges that a production surplus does not instantly resolve all food challenges. Unequal distribution across the country remains a concern.

Additionally, the risk of extreme weather due to climate change could impact harvests in various regions.

Strategic measures

To address these challenges, the government has adopted several integrated strategies. One of the important measures is the expansion of new planting areas to at least 1.6 million hectares in various strategic areas.

This effort is supported by the provision of 9.5 million tons of subsidized fertilizer, supported by a budget of up to Rp44.16 trillion (around US$2.71 billion).

The government has also disbursed a budget of Rp10 trillion (around US$615.5 million) for procuring agricultural tools and machinery.

This assistance includes four-wheeled and two-wheeled tractors, rice planting and harvesting machines, and water pumps to accelerate planting and harvesting.

The modernization of agricultural tools is expected to boost farmers' work efficiency and serve as an effort to mitigate the effects of extreme weather.

The government has also taken significant steps to improve farmer welfare by setting the Government Purchase Price (HPP) for unhusked rice.

Based on the Decree of the Head of Bapanas Number 14 of 2025, issued on January 24, 2025, the price of dry unhusked rice at the farmer level increased from Rp6,000 to Rp6,500 (approximately US$0.39) per kilogram, and price reduction has also been eliminated.

Kodiman, chair of the Sumber Makmur Farmers Group Association in Serang, Banten, welcomed the government's policy, noting that his group's harvests have increased by up to 36 percent.

He reported that fertilizer distribution has been smooth, unhusked rice prices have remained stable, and irrigation systems are functioning well.

In the livestock sector, the government is also strengthening support through an additional budget of Rp2.1 trillion (around US$129.08 million)

This fund is allocated for livestock breeding assistance, quality feed provision, and vaccination programs to prevent the spread of animal diseases. This is essential to maintain the sustainability of domestic animal protein production.

According to Bapanas Head, Arief Prasetyo Adi, food policies implemented by the government not only focus on stock availability but also target bolstering the food system from upstream to downstream.

He emphasized the need to maintain the three main pillars of availability, affordability, and accessibility, which are essential for food security and sovereignty.

With strategic efforts that have and will continue to be made, Indonesia is moving confidently to become an independent and strong country in managing its food resources.