The Indonesian government is setting its sights on expanding food exports after officially achieving rice self-sufficiency in 2025. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that national production of key carbohydrate commodities such as rice and corn will continue to rise, alongside intensified efforts to boost protein output from fisheries, livestock, and aquaculture. This strategy is designed not only to strengthen food security but also to support the government’s flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, creating a balanced and sustainable food supply chain.
Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that large-scale development in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries will help Indonesia catch up after decades of underinvestment, while simultaneously improving farmers’ welfare and expanding export capacity. Supporting this outlook, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman expressed optimism that Indonesia could export rice for the first time in its history in 2026, provided that state logistics agency Bulog maintains strong absorption of farmers’ harvests. President Prabowo Subianto formally announced the achievement of rice self-sufficiency in early January 2026, marking a historic milestone and laying a solid foundation for Indonesia to emerge as a competitive and reliable global food exporter.
