Amidst climate change, geopolitical crises, and disruptions to international supply chains, countries across the globe are facing growing challenges related to food security. Indonesia, in particular, recorded a significant increase in its official government rice reserves, reaching four million tons. This surge is clear evidence of the country's strong food security and confirms Indonesia's readiness to play a greater role in the global food system. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman says that Indonesia is no longer self-sufficient but has achieved food sovereignty. This opens up significant export potential, with Malaysia being a key contender. However, exports are contingent on the domestic supply being fully met. The Ministry of Agriculture has received requests for 24,000 tons for Malaysia, a result of strategic policies by President Prabowo Subianto, such as increasing subsidised fertilisers, reforming distribution, and ensuring farmers' paddy prices provide incentives for increasing production and successful rice absorption.
As of 31 May 2025 at 12:14 PM GMT+7, Bulog's rice absorption reached its highest level in the past 57 years, with a total of 2.429 million tonnes, marking an increase of over 400% compared to the same period in the past five years. The Minister of Agriculture emphasised that this surge in absorption is entirely from domestic production, with no additional medium-grade imported rice since the beginning of 2025. Recently, several ministers responsible for agriculture from Malaysia, Japan, and Chile have visited Indonesia to commend the country's achievements and strategic steps in efforts to achieve national food sovereignty.
