Ministry Of Agriculture: Indonesia's Food Security Is More Maintained Than The Philippines

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) said that national food security is currently being maintained, compared to neighboring countries in the Philippines which announced that they were in a state of emergency food security.

Head of the Communication and Information Services Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture Moch. Arief Cahyono said that Indonesia's food production this year continues to show positive developments, in contrast to the condition of many countries which are currently experiencing a food crisis.

"Recently, the Philippines even officially declared a state of food security emergency due to the uncontrolled spike in rice prices," Arief said in his statement, quoted by Antara, Monday, February 17.

According to him, this step was taken to control price increases which further burdened the community amidst economic pressures and dependence on imports.

Responding to the conditions in neighboring countries, Arief reminded all parties to remain vigilant.

"We are concerned about the situation in the Philippines, but we are not surprised. The Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman has long warned of the potential for a global food crisis. Therefore, we have prepared various strategic programs to anticipate it," he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture said that national food security is currently very well maintained, supported by an increasing projected rice production.

" Quoting data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), rice production in early 2025 is expected to increase significantly," said Arief.

According to him, BPS noted that Indonesia's rice production potential in the January 2025 period reached 8.67 million tons, a sharp increase of 52.32 percent compared to the same period in 2024 which was only recorded at 5.69 million tons.

The potential increase in rice production is in line with the widespread potential for rice harvest which is estimated at 2.83 million hectares.

This figure shows an increase of around 970.33 thousand hectares or 52.08 percent compared to the harvest area in January 'March 2024 which was only 1.86 million hectares.

"With this increase in production, domestic supply is more than sufficient to meet the needs of the community," said Arief.

He said the increase in rice production was also reflected in the stable price. Based on BPS data, the average price of rice mills in January 2025 reached IDR 12,796 per kg, down 4.30 percent compared to January 2024.

"Usually, rice prices at the beginning of the year tend to be high, but this year is relatively stable thanks to increased production," he said.

To ensure national food security is maintained, the Ministry of Agriculture also asked Perum Bulog to optimize the absorption of farmers' unhulled rice.

The production of rice increases upstream, and Bulog has a key role to play in absorbing grain from farmers. We believe Bulog can carry out its duties properly so that this year's national rice stock remains safe," said Arief.

In an effort to support the absorption of grain, the government has allocated an additional budget of Rp. 16.6 trillion for Bulog, with a target of absorbing 3 million tons of rice equivalent until April 2025.

In addition to budget support, the Ministry of Agriculture has also facilitated an agreement between Bulog and the rice milling industry to absorb 2.1 million tons of rice equivalent to farmers.

"If all parties are strongly committed, we are optimistic that this year's rice stock will be safe," said Arief.