By: Dhita Karuniawati )
Indonesia’s achievement in regaining rice self-sufficiency marks an important milestone in the long journey of developing the national food sector. This accomplishment is not merely a statistical success or a short-term achievement, but rather a strategic foundation toward broader, sustainable, and inclusive food security. Amid global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and fluctuations in world food prices, rice self-sufficiency demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity and independence in safeguarding the staple food needs of its people.
The current achievement of rice self-sufficiency is the result of integrated, cross-sectoral policies. The government has encouraged increased production through improvements in agricultural governance, the provision of superior seeds, more targeted subsidized fertilizers, and the modernization of agricultural machinery and equipment. At the same time, the massive development and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure have ensured water availability for agricultural land, particularly in major rice-producing regions.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, officially announced that Indonesia has once again achieved rice self-sufficiency during the National Harvest Festival and the Launch of the Food Self-Sufficiency Program in Karawang, West Java. This achievement was realized in just one year, significantly faster than the government’s initial target.
President Prabowo stated that rice self-sufficiency is a crucial milestone for national sovereignty and independence. According to him, it is impossible for a country to be truly independent if it still relies on other nations to meet the food needs of its people.
President Prabowo explained that the initial target for achieving self-sufficiency was set at four years. However, through policy consolidation and the hard work of all stakeholders, the target was accelerated to three years and ultimately achieved within just one year. This acceleration serves as proof of Indonesia’s ability to stand on its own feet. The achievement of rice self-sufficiency is not merely about production figures, but also about national pride and self-confidence.
Based on data from the National Food Agency, government rice reserves (CBP) managed by Bulog reached 3.248 million tons by the end of 2025. This figure has generated optimism that government intervention programs can continue to be strengthened.
The President emphasized that the achievement of rice self-sufficiency cannot be separated from the hard work of farmers across Indonesia. Farmers are the backbone of food security and an integral part of the nation’s historical struggle.
In addition to the role of farmers, President Prabowo also expressed appreciation for the support of regional governments, agricultural extension workers, and cross-ministerial and institutional coordination that enabled food policies to be implemented swiftly and in an integrated manner.
The government is committed not only to maintaining rice self-sufficiency, but also to improving it year by year. Challenges such as climate change and extreme weather remain, but these will be anticipated through strengthened production, improved availability of agricultural inputs, and protection of agricultural land.
President Prabowo affirmed that rice self-sufficiency is the first step toward achieving self-sufficiency in other food commodities. After rice, the government is targeting self-sufficiency in corn and other strategic commodities as part of efforts to strengthen national food security.
Similarly, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that the success of rice self-sufficiency has enabled Indonesia to stop importing rice. The current national rice reserves are the largest in Indonesia’s history. Rice self-sufficiency serves as the initial foundation toward a broader goal, namely comprehensive food self-sufficiency.
The government does not intend to be complacent with the current achievement. Although Bulog’s rice reserves are now the largest in history, the government remains vigilant against the risk of declining production due to weather and climate factors.
To ensure sustainable production, the government is focusing on several key factors, including fertilizer availability, irrigation improvements, agricultural intensification, and the development of seeds tailored to regional characteristics.
Meanwhile, Member of the House of Representatives Commission IV, Bambang Purwanto, stated that the achievement of rice self-sufficiency in the first year of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is an accomplishment worthy of appreciation. According to him, this success serves as early evidence of the realization of President Prabowo’s Asta Cita in the national food sector.
Bambang expressed optimism that if various issues in the agricultural sector can be addressed comprehensively, with an emphasis on improving production quality, the sustainability of rice self-sufficiency can be maintained and the national agricultural sector can once again attract younger generations as the successors of Indonesia’s agricultural development.
The government places food security as part of its grand national development strategy. Strong food security supports economic stability, strengthens national resilience, and enhances Indonesia’s bargaining position on the global stage. A country that can meet its own food needs will be more independent in making strategic decisions, without being overly influenced by external pressures.
Public participation and the role of the business sector are also important factors in strengthening food security. Collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, and research institutions must continue to be reinforced. Innovation in seed development, post-harvest technology, and digital distribution can accelerate the realization of an efficient and competitive food system.
Thus, the rice self-sufficiency that has been achieved today serves as a strategic stepping stone toward broader and more resilient national food security. This success must be safeguarded and enhanced through consistent, data-driven policies that favor farmers and the people. With a strong foundation in the rice sector, Indonesia has significant potential to build an independent, sustainable food system capable of responding to future challenges.
*) The author is a Contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute