Indonesia has reached a major milestone in its food security strategy by eliminating rice imports and generating a surplus of 4 million tons within the first year of the Prabowo Subianto administration. This achievement marks a dramatic turnaround from the previous year’s 4.52 million tons of rice imports and reflects coordinated national efforts to boost domestic production. As rice self-sufficiency takes hold, the government is positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience and rural prosperity.
Key Facts & Background
- Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) announced that Indonesia achieved a rice surplus of 4 million tons in 2025.
- Rice imports dropped from 4.52 million tons in 2024 to zero in 2025.
- Domestic rice production grew by 12.4%, reaching an estimated 34 million tons.
- The government confirmed no rice imports will be conducted through December 2025.
- The farmer’s terms of trade index (Nilai Tukar Petani/NTP) rose from 116 to 124.36, the highest in five years.
- The price of dry harvested grain (GKP) increased from Rp6,000/kg to above Rp6,500/kg, improving farmer incomes.
- The National Food Team coordinated efforts across ministries to stabilize production, distribution, and pricing.
- Kemenko Pangan acted as a policy orchestrator, ensuring alignment and impact across agencies.
- In its first year, the ministry coordinated:
- 7 Presidential Instructions (Inpres)
- 6 Presidential Regulations (Perpres)
- 3 Presidential Decrees (Keppres)
- 2 Government Regulations (PP)
- These policies focused on food sovereignty, price control, waste-to-energy, energy independence, and farmer welfare.
Strategic Insights
Indonesia’s rapid transition to rice self-sufficiency represents a landmark achievement in its pursuit of food sovereignty. The elimination of rice imports within a single year not only reduces fiscal pressure but also signals a shift toward agricultural independence. This success is rooted in a multi-layered strategy that combines production incentives, price stabilization, and institutional coordination—demonstrating the power of integrated policy execution.
The increase in rice production and farmer income reflects a virtuous cycle of agricultural revitalization. Higher grain prices and improved terms of trade have strengthened rural economies, incentivized productivity, and enhanced food system resilience. These gains are particularly significant in a global context marked by supply chain disruptions and climate-related volatility. By securing its staple food supply domestically, Indonesia reduces exposure to external shocks and reinforces national stability.
The role of Kemenko Pangan as a policy orchestrator is central to this transformation. Rather than acting as a direct implementer, the ministry has focused on harmonizing efforts across institutions—ensuring that regulations, subsidies, and infrastructure investments work in concert. This model of governance offers a blueprint for other sectors where cross-ministerial coordination is essential for systemic impact.
Moreover, the policy architecture supporting rice self-sufficiency—spanning presidential instructions to regulatory reforms—lays the groundwork for broader agricultural modernization. Initiatives such as waste-to-energy and energy independence signal a shift toward sustainability and circular economy principles. These efforts not only enhance productivity but also align with global environmental goals, positioning Indonesia as a responsible agricultural leader.
Looking ahead, the challenge will be to sustain and scale these gains. Continued investment in irrigation, seed technology, logistics, and farmer education will be critical. Additionally, diversifying crop portfolios and integrating digital tools can further strengthen food system resilience. As Indonesia moves from self-sufficiency to surplus, the opportunity to expand exports, build strategic reserves, and support regional food security becomes increasingly viable.
In essence, Indonesia’s rice surplus is more than a statistical achievement—it is a strategic pivot toward agricultural empowerment, economic inclusion, and national resilience. With coordinated leadership and sustained reform, the country is well-positioned to transform its food system into a pillar of long-term prosperity.