Indonesia to Halt Key Commodity Imports in 2025, Strengthen Food Self-Sufficiency Goals
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has directed his ministers to cease the importation of rice, salt, consumable sugar, and corn starting in 2025, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan announced on Monday. The decision, made during a meeting at the State Palace, underscores the administration’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Hasan confirmed that no import quotas would be allocated for these commodities in 2025. “This is a significant step forward in enhancing domestic agricultural resilience,” he stated.
In the same meeting, President Prabowo approved an increase in the government’s purchasing price (HPP) for unhusked rice, raising it from Rp6,000 (approximately US$0.37) to Rp6,500 (around US$0.40). Additionally, the benchmark purchase price (HAP) for corn was adjusted from Rp5,000 (approximately US$0.31) to Rp5,500 (around US$0.34).
Hasan highlighted the administration’s landmark decision to purchase all unhusked rice, rice, and corn produced by Indonesian farmers. “Unhusked rice and corn from local farmers will be purchased at government-set prices to ensure fair compensation and support for our agricultural sector,” he affirmed.
The harvested crops will be stored in facilities operated by the state-run logistics company Bulog, primary cooperatives, and warehouses utilizing a warehouse receipt system.
The two-hour meeting, chaired by President Prabowo, was focused on the government’s food security strategies. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s agricultural sector and reduce reliance on imports.
In his inaugural address on October 20, 2024, President Prabowo expressed confidence that Indonesia could achieve food self-sufficiency within four to five years. This recent decision aligns with his vision, marking a significant policy shift toward bolstering local production and ensuring sustainable food security for the nation.
