Indonesia’s DPD backs govt plan to boost rice production, cut imports
Indonesia’s Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) backed President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to open 2 million hectares of rice fields to achieve food self-sufficiency. DPD Deputy Speaker Tamsil Linrung urged regional involvement, better farmer access to inputs, irrigation development, and oversight to prevent hoarding. National rice stocks now exceed 4 million tons.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) has voiced support for the government’s plan to expand rice fields in pursuit of food self-sufficiency.
“Food self-sufficiency is the foundation of national sovereignty. DPD RI fully supports the President’s program to open millions of hectares of new rice fields, so that Indonesia is no longer dependent on imports,” DPD Deputy Speaker Tamsil Linrung said in a statement on Wednesday.
His remarks followed President Prabowo Subianto’s State Address on August 15, in which he announced a plan to open 2 million hectares of new rice fields.
Linrung said the initiative aligns with Prabowo’s Asta Cita mission, which places food security as a key pillar of development.
He emphasized that regional involvement will be critical to the program’s success, which depends not only on land expansion but also on farmers’ access to resources.
“The DPD RI will ensure that farmers in the regions have easy access to fertilizer, seeds, and agricultural equipment without complicated bureaucracy,” he said.
Linrung also welcomed the government’s decision to raise the purchase price of unhusked rice to Rp6,500 (around 40 US cents) per kilogram, saying the policy would directly benefit farmers.
“The stability of profitable rice prices is believed to increase farmers’ incomes,” he said.
He further stressed the need for supporting infrastructure such as irrigation, farm roads, and logistics networks to maximize harvest absorption.
“The opening of new rice fields must be accompanied by irrigation development and adequate distribution access,” Linrung added.
He also called for strict oversight to prevent rice hoarding and price manipulation that could harm the public.
The current national rice stocks have surpassed 4 million tons, the highest level on record.
“This historic achievement proves that if farmers are empowered, the country will be strong,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation and regional participation to meet Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency goals.
“With synergy between central and regional governments, food self-sufficiency is not just a dream, but a reality we can achieve together,” Linrung said.
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Source : Antara News
