Indonesia’s Rice Stock Surges to Historic High of 4 Million Tons
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Indonesia has reached a milestone in agricultural history, with national rice reserves hitting 4 million tons—the highest level since state logistics agency Perum Bulog was established in 1969. Of this total, 2.4 million tons were absorbed domestically, while 1.6 million tons came from imports.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman attributed the achievement to strategic policies initiated by the government, particularly direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto.
“President Prabowo has shown extraordinary concern for agriculture. Setting the government purchase price (HPP) for unhusked rice at Rp 6,500 per kg and eliminating the grading system are clear evidence. Farmers are now enjoying profitable selling prices, even during peak harvests,” Amran said in Jakarta on Friday.
Amran also noted that the spike in reserves reflects rising rice production in the first five months of 2025. “We’ve reached 80 percent of this year’s target, with seven months to go,” he said. The 2025 rice production goal is 3 million tons; as of May, production stood at 2.4 million tons, or 80.26% of the target.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national rice output between January and May 2025 was estimated at 16.55 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 11.95%, indicating significant improvements in agricultural performance.
Amran credited this success to major reforms, including better fertilizer distribution, strengthened agricultural extension services, and HPP adjustments that favor farmers. “In the past, prices plunged during harvests and farmers suffered losses. Now most farmers can sell their unhusked rice for at least Rp6,500 per kg, thanks to policies that support their welfare,” he said.
He also highlighted that Bulog has leased warehouse space with a capacity of 1.4 million tons, which is now nearly full—an indication of this year’s robust rice absorption. “Previously, without leasing space, the warehouses were never full,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Amran is optimistic about future production targets. For 2026, the government aims to reach 5 million tons of rice, contingent on the completion of irrigation systems across 2 million hectares of farmland. “If irrigation for two million hectares is completed, we could easily reach five million tons,” he said.
Through these strategic efforts, the government is not only ensuring food stock security but also promoting farmer prosperity and long-term food resilience.