RI Corn Surplus, Minister Of Agriculture Amran: If It's Enough, There's No Need For Imports

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that national corn production is currently in a surplus condition and is very sufficient to meet domestic needs.

This is in response to the issue of buying agricultural products from the United States (US) worth US$4.5 billion as part of the agreement to reduce Indonesia's import rate to 19 percent.

Even though corn has been imported, Amran continued, if domestic production is sufficient, then imports will not be carried out. "If it's enough, it's not imported. There are recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture. So it can't be arbitrary," he said in his statement, Friday, July 18.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the production of dry flat corn with water levels of 14 percent in the January 'June 2025 period is estimated at 8.07 million tons.

This figure increased 12.9 percent compared to the same period last year of 7.15 million tons. The surge in production was achieved amid climate challenges and uncertain weather, signaling the resilience of the national agricultural sector which is getting stronger.

The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to making Indonesia not only independent in corn production, but also capable of becoming a global competitive corn exporter.

According to him, this production surplus is an important asset in strengthening Indonesia's position in the export market and strengthening national food reserves.

"The Indonesian Attorney General's Office is strong. The production is more than sufficient to meet national needs. This is clear evidence of the hard work of farmers, extension workers, and all parties involved in agricultural development," said Amran.

Previously, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, said that the import rate of 19 percent would be applied to Indonesian products entering the US.

Meanwhile, exports from the United States to Indonesia will not be taxed. This decision is based on the results of direct negotiations he made with the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto.

In addition, part of the deal, Trump said Indonesia is also committed to investing in a number of American products, one of which is agricultural products.

"As part of the agreement, Indonesia has committed to buying 15 billion US dollars in US energy, 4.5 billion US dollars in American Agricultural products, and 50 Boeing Jets, many of which are 777," he said.