Indonesia Achieves Record Rice Reserves, Surpassing 3 Million Tons

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s rice reserves have reached over 3 million tons, the highest level in the nation’s history, President Prabowo Subianto announced on Tuesday. The milestone surpasses stock levels recorded during the country’s food self-sufficiency period under former President Soeharto.

Speaking at a cabinet retreat and year-opening briefing in Hambalang, West Java, President Prabowo stated that rice stocks managed by the state logistics agency Bulog now exceed the previous peak of approximately 2 million tons.

“I am quite proud that today our rice reserves in government warehouses are the highest in the history of the Republic of Indonesia, including during President Soeharto’s administration,” he remarked.

President Prabowo noted that his administration had originally set a four-year target to achieve food self-sufficiency, but the goal was realized ahead of schedule by the end of 2025, just one year into his presidency. He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of his cabinet ministers.

He emphasized that no nation can claim true independence without ensuring food security for its people. Highlighting past reliance on rice imports from Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, he cautioned that global conflicts and geopolitical instability could disrupt supply chains.

“Now Thailand and Cambodia are at war. After fighting, negotiations take place, weapons are laid down, peace is declared, and then conflict erupts again,” Prabowo said.

The President further stated that Indonesia’s self-sufficiency strategy should extend beyond rice to include other staple carbohydrates such as corn and cassava, along with protein sources, to strengthen national food security in an unpredictable global environment.