Minister Of Agriculture Prepares IDR 9.95 Trillion ABT, Encourages Areas To Plant Coffee, Kakao, And Coconut

TARAKAN Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia (Mentan RI), Dr. Ir. H. Andi Amran Sulaiman, MP., emphasized the central government's commitment to strengthening the national agricultural sector.

This was revealed by the Minister of Agriculture during his visit to North Kalimantan (Kaltara), Monday (29/9/2025),

The Minister of Agriculture also announced the distribution of an Additional Budget (ABT) of IDR 9.95 trillion which is intended for planting strategic commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and coconut.

"This grant is only valid for three months. Therefore, I encourage local governments to immediately move quickly to prepare proposals so as not to lose momentum," he said.

The ABT amounting to Rp9.95 trillion is specifically for the purchase of seeds. The target covers 880 thousand hectares of land throughout Indonesia, while absorbing a minimum of 1.6 million workers," explained Amran.

In addition to ABT, the government is also preparing financing support from the banking sector. It is recorded that there are IDR 89 trillion in banking funds and more than IDR 100 trillion in People's Business Credit (KUR) funds that can be accessed by farmers.

"The Ministry of Agriculture's regular budget in 2026 is projected to reach IDR 40 trillion, the highest in history," he explained.

The Minister of Agriculture also emphasized the importance of utilizing the geographical bonuses of Indonesia, especially border areas such as North Kalimantan which are directly faced with Malaysia. According to him, strategic commodities such as corn, coconut and cocoa that are really needed by neighboring countries must be planted in this area.

The best way to deal with the potential for smuggled is not only by guarding day and night, but by planting the commodity itself at the border. If in the past onions and fruit were often smuggled, now we can plant them directly. That's the best defense," he said.

Amran reminded that this strategy has proven effective. For almost a decade, the practice of smuggling food has been suppressed.

The Minister of Agriculture is also optimistic that in the near future Indonesia can immediately announce the achievement of food self-sufficiency.

"Initially self-sufficiency was targeted for four years, then three years, then one year. God willing, in the next three months we can announce Indonesia's self-sufficiency," he said.

He also mentioned the statement of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, which was conveyed in the United Nations (UN) forum that Indonesia is no longer importing premium rice.

"In 2023 we import 3 million tons of rice, 2024 up 4 million tons. The value with corn is approximately Rp. 100 trillion. But on the President's idea, we stop imports. To this day, no more premium rice has entered," said Amran.

With great attention from the central government and unprecedented budget support, the Minister of Agriculture hopes that regions, including North Kalimantan, will immediately adapt, prepare proposals, and move quickly to take advantage of this golden opportunity.