Badanas Pede Indonesia Capai Swasembada Food

JAKARTA - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) is optimistic that Indonesia will be able to achieve food self-sufficiency through strengthening national rice stocks.

Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi added that the achievement of food self-sufficiency is also through the lowest inflation in history and strategic policies to increase production and the welfare of farmers.

"Low inflation and rice stocks are maintained, we are optimistic that Indonesia can achieve food self-sufficiency," he said, quoting Antara.

Bapanas stated that Indonesia's inflation in 2024 was 1.57 percent the lowest in history, reflecting the successful national food price control and should be appreciated by all parties.

He said low inflation was supported by government rice reserves (CBP) which reached 3.1 million tons, the highest since Indonesia's independence and became a strong foundation towards food security.

Since 1958, Indonesia's inflation has been at its best, at 1.57 percent (in 2024). This is supported by the availability of rice which is also the best in history. Today reached 3.1 million tons," said Arief.

He said the increase in national food production continues to be pursued in line with improving the welfare of farmers, which is the focus of President Prabowo Subianto.

"Mr. Prabowo is very concerned about the welfare of farmers. We want production to increase, but also prosperous farmers," he said.

He said Indonesia's food security must rely on food independence and sovereignty.

A total of the three main pillars of concern are availability (availability), affordability, and ease of access (accessibility). However, the main goal remains for achieving food self-sufficiency.

In the midst of rising rice prices in a number of neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, he said, Indonesia remained stable with the purchase price of farmers' unhulled rice of Rp. 6,500 per kilogram (kg) and the availability of adequate stock.

"With the hard work of the technical ministry and the support of various parties, until May 2025 we will have a surplus of 1.68 million tons. But this must be maintained. If we do not maintain the planting area of 6.61 million hectares, production can be below the national requirement, which is an average of 2.5 to 2.6 million tons per month," he said.