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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

El Nino Ahead, Amran Guarantees Food Stocks Are Safe

From Republika · (2d ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Indonesia's National Food Agency assures that the nation's food supply remains secure despite the looming threat of El Nino and global food crisis.
  • National food security is bolstered by strong domestic production, particularly in rice, eggs, and chicken, achieving self-sufficiency in key commodities.
  • Ample government rice reserves and positive agricultural sector performance, including high farmer exchange rates, further strengthen Indonesia's food resilience.

As the world braces for the potential impacts of El Nino and a widening global food crisis, Indonesia stands as a beacon of resilience, according to its National Food Agency (Bapanas). Minister of Agriculture and Head of Bapanas, Andi Amran Sulaiman, confidently asserts that the nation's food stocks are secure, a testament to robust domestic production and strategic government policies. This assurance is particularly significant given the widespread anxiety surrounding food security in many other nations. Indonesia's self-sufficiency in crucial commodities like rice, eggs, and chicken, along with a surplus in corn for feed, positions it favorably against international turmoil.

The foundation of Indonesia's food security lies in its strong domestic production capabilities. The country has achieved remarkable self-sufficiency not only in carbohydrates like rice but also in protein sources such as eggs and broiler chicken. Even horticultural products like shallots and chili peppers demonstrate production independence, with palm oil even becoming an export commodity. This internal strength is further supported by consumption patterns, where staples like rice constitute over 50% of the diet, complemented by animal protein and fats. Minister Amran highlights that Indonesia's self-sufficiency in rice is 'perfect' as it does not import medium-grade rice, a significant achievement in the current global climate.

Global food crisis due to El Nino, we can face it. Indonesia, thank God, other countries are worried. That is thanks to the President's policies. Remember, we are already self-sufficient in protein and carbohydrates.

— Andi Amran SulaimanMinister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, assures the nation's food security amidst global challenges.

Furthermore, government reserves of rice have reached historic highs, standing at 4.8 million tons as of April 16, 2026, with the majority held as government reserves. This substantial buffer is a direct result of prioritizing and absorbing domestic production. The agricultural sector's health is also reflected in the Farmer's Exchange Rate (NTP), which has consistently remained above 120 since July 2024, peaking at 126.11 in December 2025 and February 2026—the highest in seven years. These indicators collectively paint a picture of a nation well-prepared to weather potential climate disruptions and global food supply chain challenges, underscoring the effectiveness of President Joko Widodo's policies in safeguarding national food stability.

Self-sufficiency means that a country imports a maximum of 10 percent of its needs. This country does not import medium rice, meaning perfect self-sufficiency. If there is self-sufficiency plus, yes, it is this year.

— Andi Amran SulaimanMinister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, explains the definition and achievement of self-sufficiency in rice production.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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