Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Expresses Confidence in Achieving Food Self-Sufficiency

Indonesia is making significant strides towards its goal of food self-sufficiency. Agriculture Minister Arief Susanto recently expressed optimism about reaching this milestone soon.
The government has implemented several key strategies to boost food production:

Indonesia food self-sufficiency goal

1. Allocating Rp16 trillion from the Village Fund for food security programs
2. Expanding harvest areas, projected to reach 2.83 million hectares in early 2025
3. Increasing rice production, with a potential output of 8.67 million tons in January-March 2025
4. Stopping rice imports in 2025 to support local farmers
5. Enhancing both extensification and intensification programs in the agricultural sector

President Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target to achieve food self-sufficiency within four years. The government has accelerated this timeline to reach the goal by 2027.
Key provinces like West, Central, and East Java are crucial to this effort. These regions produce around 60% of Indonesia’s national rice output.
The government plans to improve irrigation infrastructure for 2 million hectares of land5. This initiative will focus on Java Island, where most of the country’s food production occurs.
Challenges remain, including limited access to farming technology and weather-dependent crop decisions. However, the government remains committed to overcoming these obstacles.

Indonesia’s push for food self-sufficiency extends beyond rice. The country aims to halt imports of salt, sugar, and corn for animal feed.
As Indonesia progresses towards its food security goals, it may also position itself as a global food producer. This ambitious vision could reshape Indonesia’s role in the international food market.
Indonesia’s push towards food self-sufficiency is not only a domestic goal but also a strategic move to enhance its global presence. Achieving this milestone will significantly boost Indonesia’s economic resilience by reducing reliance on imports, which can be volatile and costly.

This initiative also aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of transforming Indonesia into a global food producer, potentially opening new markets and revenue streams for the country.
Moreover, by supporting local farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, Indonesia can ensure that its food security efforts benefit the economy and its people, fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system. This ambitious goal positions Indonesia as a Southeast Asian leader, demonstrating its capacity to address complex challenges while promoting economic growth and stability.