JAKARTA — The government continues to strengthen national food security through cross-sectoral and regional cooperation as a strategic step in facing increasingly complex global dynamics.
Amidst increasing international geopolitical pressure and disruptions to global supply chains, Indonesia is considered successful in maintaining national food stability while strengthening the ASEAN region’s position in maintaining shared food security.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that food security is now a fundamental issue that requires serious attention from all countries in the region.
In his speech at the BIMP-EAGA Special Summit in Cebu, Philippines, the President emphasized that ASEAN’s future is determined not only by economic growth, but also by the ability of regional countries to maintain food stability and public welfare.
“However, our efforts should not stop at energy security. Food security is equally fundamental,” said President Prabowo.
The Head of State also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening food supply chains, distribution infrastructure, and developing technologies capable of supporting long-term food security.
According to the President, the BIMP-EAGA region holds enormous potential through fertile agricultural land and natural resources that can be jointly optimized to meet regional food needs.
Echoing the President, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the Indonesian government has made strengthening food security a top priority in the 2026 ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
This step is a concrete response to the impact of global conflicts that have triggered spikes in commodity prices, logistical disruptions, and the threat of food inflation in the ASEAN region.
According to Airlangga, strengthening regional cooperation is key to maintaining regional economic and food stability.
The government is encouraging the optimization of intra-ASEAN trade cooperation, strengthening regional supply chains, and collaborating with strategic partners through various regional economic forums.
“Furthermore, leveraging the strength of ASEAN centrality is necessary to build supply chain resilience in the region,” Airlangga explained.
Domestically, the government has also recorded significant achievements in the national food sector.
The Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, stated that Indonesia’s success in stopping rice imports since 2025 is concrete evidence of strengthening national food production.
National rice production reached 34.69 million tons, exceeding the national consumption requirement of 31.16 million tons.
This success has also strengthened the government’s food reserves, which now stand at around 5.12 million tons, the highest in Indonesian history.
This achievement not only strengthens national resilience but also stabilizes global rice prices and improves farmer welfare.
“The success of the food sector is not only measured by increased production, but also by the improving welfare of farmers and Indonesia’s contribution to global food stability,” said Amran.