250 Tons Of Illegal Rice Entering Sabang Sealed, Minister Of Agriculture: Enough Domestic Production

JAKARTA - The government is moving quickly to take action against the entry of 250 tons of illegal rice through the Sabang area, Aceh. Hundreds of tons of rice were sealed as soon as the report was received on Sunday, November 23.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said the initial findings showed that the rice was imported rice which entered illegally and clearly contradicted President Prabowo Subianto's direction. The President, continued Amran, has emphasized that Indonesia does not need rice imports, considering that the national stock is in the best condition.

Following up on the report, Amran immediately coordinated with the Aceh Police Chief, the Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the Military Commander and the Minister of Trade. The results of the verification ensure that no import permits are granted by the government.

On this basis, the authorities immediately sealed and stopped all illegal rice distribution activities. The government is also investigating parties suspected of being involved, including one of the companies operating in Sabang.

"We emphasize that the rice has been sealed and we ask the authorities to investigate who the perpetrators are involved in. We found several things that were odd. We also emphasize that Indonesia's rice stock is sufficient, even more than sufficient. The estimated stock until the end of the year shows that we are at the highest position," he said in an official statement, Monday, November 24.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national rice production a year is estimated to reach 34.7 million tons. This is the highest figure since 2019. Meanwhile, the government's rice stock in Perum Bulog reached 3.8 million tons. This figure is also the highest achievement.

In the January-December 2026 Rice Balance Projection as of November 5, national rice stocks were estimated until early 2026 and could even reach 12.89 million tons. This is a carry over stock until the end of 2025 spread across various lines to the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) stock in Bulog.

Meanwhile, based on the Aceh Province Food Balance Projection, rice is still in a surplus of 871.4 thousand tons with the availability of 1.53 million tons and consumption needs of 667.7 thousand tons. Meanwhile, specifically for Sabang, the rice surplus is 970 tons with the availability of 5,911 tons and the need is 4,940 tons.

So there is no reason to import. Where is the nationalism? This concerns the honor of the nation. We are very close to self-sufficiency. Don't be disturbed by illegal acts like this," Amran said.

The head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) also said that this import action was carried out with a number of irregularities. The mistake of the coordination meeting in Jakarta on November 14, 2025, shows that the import application has been rejected by the relevant officials. However, permission from the country of origin, Thailand, has actually been issued first.

This indicates that there are planned and unprocedural efforts. He emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto's instructions must be the main reference for all officials and business actors, both central and regional.

Amran emphasized that illegal rice smuggling is an act that weakens national food stability, harms farmers, and is against the interests of the nation.

"The compliance with the President's policy is the obligation of all parties, especially when Indonesia is at a momentum to strengthen food security and lead to self-sufficiency in food," he said.

Amran also said the government was investigating the possibility of similar cases in other areas, including Batam. Police officers and related institutions have been assigned to verify and follow up on the report. The government is fully committed to overseeing this process to completion, ensuring that no illegal rice is circulating in the domestic market.

"We announce this case today to be a warning. Don't try to do the same thing. Even though today is a holiday, we will immediately have a meeting because this involves the interests and self-esteem of the nation," Amran said.