In a proactive move to support national food security, Indonesia has announced plans to import 1 million tons of rice by the close of 2024. Chief Food Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan shared that these imports are part of the government’s strategy to ensure steady rice reserves, maintaining a healthy supply of this essential staple to meet the nation’s needs.
This upcoming shipment is a portion of the 3.6 million tons of rice the government has targeted for 2024. With these imports, Indonesia aims to reach its goal of 2 million tons in reserve, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide rice reliably to its people. Minister Zulkifli confirmed that around 150,000 tons are expected to arrive shortly, with the remaining 850,000 tons following. He emphasized that the rice will come from a diverse group of major rice-producing countries, reflecting Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen international trade ties and diversify its import sources.
The commitment to food security extends beyond imports; Zulkifli highlighted the government’s plans to enhance domestic rice production, working towards a future where the nation can increasingly rely on local crops. “We are taking steps to reduce imports over time by boosting our domestic production,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of balanced trade practices in ensuring long-term food stability.
Looking ahead, Indonesia has allocated Rp 139.4 trillion (approximately $8.8 billion) in the 2025 budget to fund food self-sufficiency initiatives across key ministries. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to both food security and sustainable growth in agriculture, making Indonesia a strong player in international trade and a leader in securing staple food supplies for its population.
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