Food Self-Sufficiency, Indonesia Targets to Stop Rice Imports by 2026
Jakarta, The government is targeting to completely stop rice imports by 2026 as part of the national strategy towards food self-sufficiency. This ambitious target was announced following significant achievements in national rice production and an increase in the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) which has now exceeded 3 million tons as of April 2025. This step is considered a big leap in maintaining food sovereignty and reducing dependence on the global market.
The Minister of Agriculture (Mentan), Amran Sulaiman said that the government has begun taking serious steps towards food self-sufficiency, especially for commodities that have so far been highly dependent on imports such as wheat, garlic, corn, and soybeans. To realize this, the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) together with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Diktisaintek) will collaborate with 54 campuses from all over Indonesia to conduct collaborative research and development.
“This is a meeting between industry, universities, researchers, with the Minister of Education and Technology. We focus on commodities that have been difficult to grow in Indonesia, namely wheat and soybeans. That is the order of the President (Prabowo),” said Amran.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Food (Menko Pangan), Zulkifli Hasan explained that the current government has a strong determination to accelerate the target of food self-sufficiency from the original 2028 to no later than 2026.
“Starting this year, we will no longer import rice, corn, and salt. We will restore the glory of national agriculture,” he said.
Agricultural observer from the Center of Reform on Economic (Core), Indonesia Eliza Mardian said that as a follow-up effort, the government is encouraging irrigation improvement programs, fertilizer subsidies, and the use of superior rice varieties. In addition, collaboration with local farmers is being strengthened to ensure that productivity continues to increase.
“The government is currently focusing on encouraging irrigation improvement programs and fertilizer subsidies as strategic steps to support self-sufficiency. In addition, cooperation with local farmers continues to be strengthened to ensure that productivity increases are sustainable,” he said.
Amid the threat of a global food crisis, Indonesia’s move to stop imports and strengthen domestic production is a strategic decision that will strengthen the nation’s resilience. The government, private sector, and society need to work together so that the transformation of the agricultural sector is not only symbolic, but is truly able to create long-term food security that is fair, equitable, and sustainable.
With these strategic steps, Indonesia hopes to close the long chapter of dependence on rice imports and build a sustainable and independent national food system. Realizing an Indonesia that is independent in terms of food is a real form of economic independence and national sovereignty.
Food self-sufficiency is one of the main pillars of national sovereignty that must continue to be strengthened. With the ability to meet food needs from domestic production, Indonesia not only guarantees food security, but also reduces dependence on international markets that are vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions.
[edRW]
