Indonesia confident in food security despite El Nino, citing self-sufficiency in rice and key commodities

National Food Agency (Bapanas) head Andi Amran Sulaiman expressed strong optimism regarding Indonesia's national food security, even as the country braces for the El Nino phenomenon. He believes the government's proactive measures, including bolstering national food reserves and ensuring robust production and distribution, will effectively mitigate any potential impacts of the dry season.

Amran highlighted that the government had been preparing for El Nino well in advance, drawing valuable lessons from the experience in 2023. "We have prepared long before facing El Nino. Last year, we thankfully got through it. Although August to September is indeed the dry season, God willing, our food will be safe, especially rice," stated Amran, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture.

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We have prepared long before facing El Nino. Last year, we thankfully got through it. Although August to September is indeed the dry season, God willing, our food will be safe, especially rice.

The focus on rice self-sufficiency is paramount, as it constitutes over half of the Indonesian population's food consumption. Amran proudly announced that Indonesia no longer imports medium-grade rice, signifying a major milestone in achieving rice self-sufficiency. Beyond rice, he affirmed that Indonesia now meets its own demand for other strategic commodities, including chicken eggs, broiler meat, feed corn, shallots, and chili peppers. This self-sufficiency strengthens the government's confidence in maintaining national food security amidst extreme weather threats.

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Why rice? Because more than 50 percent is the percentage of rice when we eat. Add eggs, also self-sufficient. Add chicken meat, self-sufficient. Feed corn, shallots, and chili peppers too. We supply the world with cooking oil. Our President is great. Today's achievements, our food is safe.

Data from Bapanas as of July 8, 2026, shows the government's commitment to maintaining substantial reserves. The State Food Reserve (CBP) managed by Perum Bulog stands at 5.2 million tons of rice. Additionally, the government holds reserves of 188,000 tons of feed corn, approximately 1,100 kiloliters of cooking oil, about 2,790 tons of consumption sugar, and 38 tons of chicken meat.

Sarwo Edhy, the Main Secretary of Bapanas, emphasized the ongoing strategy to fortify food reserves, boost production, streamline distribution, and foster collaboration among all stakeholders. For perishable goods like chili, shallots, and chicken eggs, Bapanas assesses that supplies remain secure, with national production projected to exceed consumption needs throughout the year. These measures are expected to ensure stable supplies and reinforce national food resilience during the dry season.

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We must remain vigilant in facing El Nino with strong food reserves, continuously increasing production, strengthening distribution, and collaborating with all stakeholders.