President Prabowo Targets Corn Self-Sufficiency by 2026

Bengkayang, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Indonesia is aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in corn production by 2026, with a plan to halt corn imports by that time. This ambitious target was revealed during the simultaneous corn harvest and the launch of Indonesia’s first corn exports to Malaysia in Bengkayang district, West Kalimantan, on Thursday.

The statement was based on a report from Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, who briefed the President on the country’s progress. In 2024, Indonesia imported approximately 500 thousand tons of corn, but Minister Sulaiman, along with Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the chief of the National Police, assured that the country would no longer need to import corn by 2026.

The National Police is supporting the government’s efforts through the One Million Hectare Corn Planting Program, a large-scale initiative designed to boost local corn production. The program aims to enhance the nation’s self-reliance in corn cultivation.

President Prabowo further highlighted that national corn production had risen by 48 percent in the first quarter of 2025, increasing from four tons per hectare to between six and eight tons per hectare. He expressed confidence that Indonesia might achieve corn self-sufficiency sooner than anticipated, possibly within one year, citing the use of high-quality seed varieties and organic fertilizers as key contributors.

“Our goal of self-sufficiency in corn may not take two to three years, it might only take one year to achieve that. This is very significant,” President Prabowo stated.

In addition to improving production, the President emphasized the importance of innovation in the processing of agricultural harvests and the diversification of corn-based products, such as corn chips and corn rice. These products, he noted, are not only healthier but also have higher added value.

Furthermore, President Prabowo stressed the need to ensure that the increase in corn production translates into improved welfare for farmers, who he described as the backbone of food production in Indonesia. He called for efforts to provide farmers with the necessary machinery, technology, seeds, fertilizers, and biofertilizers to enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods.

“Our farmers must live decently. We should work efficiently and find areas that we can intervene,” he added.