The Government Continues to Promote Indonesia’s Spirit to Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency by the End of 2025
By: Yandi Arya Adinegara*
Indonesia is making history in the national food sector. Under the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, the target of food self-sufficiency, previously planned to be achieved in four years, has been achieved in just one year. This confirms that the agricultural sector is now the main foundation of the national economy and is also clear evidence that a successful government can be achieved through consistent strategies, courageous decision-making, and synergy across ministries.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his high appreciation for the achievements of the national food sector under the direction of Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman. The President emphasized that national production from January to October 2025 reached 31,338,197 tons, the highest in Indonesian history, surpassing the original four-year target.
The President considered this achievement the result of the hard work of all levels of the Ministry of Agriculture and the national food team, who have implemented various strategic steps ranging from policy deregulation, land intensification, to securing the food production ecosystem.
This achievement is also reflected in the government’s success in maintaining national rice stocks. Government Rice Reserves (CBP) reached 4.2 million tons in June 2025, an all-time high, ensuring national food stability. The Farmer Exchange Rate (NTP) also increased significantly to 124.36, setting a record high in Indonesian history.
The government’s policy of raising the Government Purchase Price (HPP) for harvested dry grain to IDR 6,500 per kilogram, along with firm action against individuals and companies attempting to manipulate prices, are key factors in strengthening farmer welfare.
This success is inseparable from reforms in the food sector. The government has eliminated 145 inefficient regulations related to fertilizer distribution, accelerated direct deliveries from factories to farmers, and ensured the availability of adequate production facilities. President Prabowo emphasized that policy consistency and the courage to implement reforms are key to food independence, price stability, and improving farmer welfare amidst global dynamics.
Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman added that Indonesia is expected to achieve rice self-sufficiency within the next two months. The significant surge in national rice production during President Prabowo’s first year in office was a key factor in this achievement.
By October 2025, rice production reached 33.19 million tons, up from 30 million tons the previous year, and is projected to reach 34.3 million tons by the end of the year. This surge is the highest in history, and also strengthens the agricultural sector’s contribution to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 13.83 percent.
Amran emphasized that the increase in the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) from IDR 5,000 to IDR 6,500 per kilogram has directly benefited farmers, while rice absorption by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) also reached a record high of 4.2 million tons. The 42.19 percent increase in Indonesian agricultural exports compared to the previous year demonstrates that the food sector not only meets domestic demand but is also a source of foreign exchange.
The National Food Balance projection confirms sufficient rice and corn availability, with rice production estimated at 34.34 million tons, while consumption is at 30.97 million tons. Corn production is projected to reach 16.68 million tons to meet the demand of 15.7 million tons.
Food availability is a human right that the state must fulfill, as mandated by Law Number 18 of 2012 concerning Food. Therefore, President Prabowo’s administration has prioritized the food sector since the beginning of his administration.
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Herman Khaeron, emphasized that the success of food self-sufficiency is also driven by increased budget allocations, improvements in the quality of subsidized fertilizers, and the development of agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation networks and water supply. An integrated food system from upstream to downstream is a determining factor in productivity and the success of the national food program.
Agricultural modernization and intensification are key government programs. The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) is strengthening secondary irrigation networks and micro-water management systems, while the Ministry of Agriculture is providing modern agricultural equipment and increasing the capacity of extension workers. Increasing productivity through the opening of new land, optimizing idle land, and utilizing agricultural technology are part of efforts to ensure food self-sufficiency.
Food diversification is also a government focus. In addition to rice, local food potential such as corn, tubers, and sago is being promoted to meet the consumption needs of communities in various regions. The government emphasizesLocal food diversity is a national strength, reducing dependence on a single commodity, strengthening national food security, and increasing economic value for farmers.
Herman Khaeron emphasized his optimism that Indonesia can not only achieve self-sufficiency but also achieve a food surplus that can be exported. Determining factors for success include the availability of superior seeds, quality fertilizers, adequate irrigation water, and efficient agricultural systems. The government is also establishing new food zones to strengthen food independence and self-sufficiency in the future.
The enthusiasm fostered by the government through various policies and strategic measures demonstrates that Indonesia has a strong foundation for becoming a self-sufficient country in meeting its food needs. With record-high rice production, increasing NTP (National Price Index), and consistent food modernization and diversification, Indonesia’s agricultural sector is not only a pillar of the national economy but also a symbol of national sovereignty.
This achievement proves that with commitment, appropriate policies, and courageous reforms, Indonesia can achieve food self-sufficiency faster than the initial target. The end of 2025 is not only a moment of celebration for farmers and the community, but also a new milestone for national food security. The government continues to promote Indonesia’s drive for food self-sufficiency, demonstrating its readiness to face global challenges while sustainably strengthening the well-being of its people.
)*The author is an observer of nutrition and food policy.
