Indonesia Plans Rice Imports Amid Production Decline

The Indonesian government is implementing a program to develop 3 million hectares of new rice fields to enhance food resilience amid rising population demands and global challenges, as stated by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono. This effort comes as Indonesia faces a projected 2.43% decline in rice production for 2024, dropping to 30.34 million metric tons due to delays caused by prolonged dry weather. To secure its supply, Indonesia is also considering importing 1 million metric tons of rice from India in 2025, as the Head of the National Food Agency highlighted the urgency for additional rice supplies until the main harvest begins in March. The country's rice imports have surged in recent years, with plans to import up to 3.6 million tons this year. The overarching goal of these initiatives is to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2028, as emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto. This multifaceted approach aims to not only stabilize food supply but also create job opportunities and stimulate rural economic growth.