JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman ensures that the national food supply is in a safe condition and the price is relatively stable before and during Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.
According to Amran, this condition is the result of synergy between increased production, strengthening food reserves, distribution supervision, and price control in the market.
"We want everyone to smile. Farmers smile because the price of their crops is good, traders smile because goods are available, and people smile because the price is affordable," said Amran in a written statement, Monday, March 23.
He explained that the national rice stock is currently in a strong position. The Government Rice Reserve (CBP) in the Bulog warehouse reached around 4.09 million tons, while the rice circulating in the community is estimated at 11-12 million tons. In addition, the harvest potential in the near future is estimated to reach around 12 million tons.
Thus, the total national rice availability is estimated at around 28 million tons, which is considered sufficient to meet the needs for about 11 months.
Amran added that national rice production showed an increasing trend as the harvest season in various regions took place from February to April 2026.
"Our production has increased and is already above the national consumption needs," he said.
With the need for rice of around 2.59 million tons per month and production in the range of 2.6 to 5.7 million tons, the national rice balance is currently in a surplus condition.
Apart from rice, a number of strategic commodities are also recorded to have a surplus until April 2026. These include cayenne pepper with a surplus of around 105 thousand tons, chicken meat around 727 thousand tons, and red onions around 57 thousand tons.
In March, chili production also recorded a surplus, respectively around 46,868 tons for red chili and 8,282 tons for large chili, so that prices in the market began to stabilize and tend to decrease.
"If the production is surplus and distribution is smooth, the price will be stable. That's what we keep from upstream to downstream," said Amran.
He emphasized that the government was trying to maintain the balance of prices so as not to harm farmers while still affordable for the community.
"The price should not be too high, but it should not be too low. It is the balance that must be maintained," he said.
Price monitoring, he continued, is carried out together with cross-sectors to prevent hoarding and speculation, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Amran assessed that the strong food conditions and stable prices made this year's Eid al-Fitr a positive momentum for all actors in the national food chain.
"Production is good, stocks are sufficient, prices are stable. This is a happiness for farmers, traders, and the community," he said.
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