Indonesia ready for El Niño with rice surplus: minister
Indonesia claims rice self-sufficiency, ending imports of medium-grade rice and achieving surplus production within a year. The country is also self-sufficient in key foods like eggs, corn, and chili. With record rice reserves nearing 5 million tons, Indonesia says it is well-prepared to handle El Niño and potential global food crises.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government claimed that the country has achieved a surplus in rice self-sufficiency and is ready to face El Niño, with the commodity serving as a key benchmark for national food security.
“The country is no longer importing medium-grade rice, indicating full self-sufficiency. This surplus has been achieved within one year of the President’s four-year plan,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said on Friday.
He noted that self-sufficiency is achieved when domestic production by farmers and livestock producers meets national consumption needs.
Indonesia has reached self-sufficiency not only in rice, although the commodity remains the main benchmark as it dominates daily consumption.
“Food conditions are secure, with rice accounting for more than 50 percent of daily intake. We are also self-sufficient in eggs, chicken, feed corn, shallots, and chili. Indonesia is also a major supplier of cooking oil,” he said.
This aligns with Indonesia’s 2025 Food Consumption Pattern (PPH), which shows cereals account for more than 50 percent of total intake.
Animal-based foods contribute 12.7 percent, oils and fats 12.4 percent, vegetables and fruits 6.8 percent, and sugar 4 percent, with the remainder consisting of legumes, tubers, and other food groups.
Based on these conditions, Amran expressed optimism that Indonesia can manage the impacts of El Niño, supported by strong government policies in the food sector.
“Global food crises linked to El Niño can be managed. Indonesia is in a strong position compared to other countries. We are already self-sufficient in protein and carbohydrates, with surplus capacity for exports,” he said.
Meanwhile, government rice reserves reached 4.8 million tons as of mid-April 2026 and are projected to hit 5 million tons within a week, marking the highest level on record.
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Source : Antara
