Indonesia to Halt Rice, Corn, Sugar Imports for Food Self-Sufficiency

Indonesia is committed to ending its reliance on imported food, with a clear strategy to bolster domestic production and achieve national food self-sufficiency. Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono announced the government will cease imports of key commodities like rice, corn, and sugar, while gradually reducing dependence on other food imports.

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Indonesia must no longer depend on food imports. Following President Prabowo's directive, we are committed to stopping imports of rice, corn, and sugar, and gradually reducing dependence on other food imports.

This move, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, aims not only to strengthen national food security but also to significantly improve the welfare of Indonesian farmers. Sudaryono emphasized that farmers across all sectors, from rice and corn to palm oil and coffee, must benefit from their labor. The government pledges to ensure the availability of fertilizers, increase production, and stabilize harvest prices at profitable levels.

The policy's implementation is supported by the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI), which Sudaryono chairs. He highlighted the association's crucial role as a government partner in advancing the agricultural sector. Currently, Indonesia has achieved self-sufficiency and surplus in several food items, including rice, consumption sugar, chili peppers, corn, cooking oil, chicken meat, eggs, and red onions.

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The most important thing is that Indonesian farmers must become more prosperous. Farmers should no longer live difficult lives. Farmers of rice, corn, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and other commodities must profit from their efforts.

Special attention is being given to palm oil farmers in West Kalimantan. Sudaryono warned palm oil factories against purchasing Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) below the government-set price. He stressed that farmers should benefit when global crude palm oil prices are high, and that regional government-determined prices, agreed upon collaboratively, must be adhered to. The Deputy Minister also encouraged direct communication with farmers to address issues like irrigation, fertilizer, and seeds, ensuring prompt government action.

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The price of FFB must not be bought below the government's provisions. When the global crude palm oil price is good, farmers must also enjoy the results. The price set by the regional government is the result of mutual agreement and must be obeyed.