Minister Of Agriculture Amran: Don't Play With Data, Indonesia's Rice Stock Is Actually Abundant

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman (right) answered a question during a special interview with LKBN ANTARA at the Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta. BETWEEN PHOTOS/Asprilla Dwi Adha.

MAKASSAR - Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman suspects that there are efforts from food mafia personnel who are trying to manipulate national rice stock data.

The goal, according to him, is to form an opinion as if the rice supply is minimal, even though the stock in the field is still abundant.

"Now we have a lot of rice, but some are trying to play data, so there is less rice. In fact, it is more (excessive)," Amran said while witnessing the slaughter of sacrificial animals in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Antara, Friday, June 6.

Amran said that the alleged data manipulation is currently being investigated by the Food Task Force. He reminded that no party should play games with the fate of farmers and consumers.

"Don't worry about our farmers. Don't make them weak. If the data is manipulated and the results are imported, who will lose? Our farmers," he said.

The Minister of Agriculture revealed that currently the government's rice reserve stock (CBP) managed by Perum Bulog has reached more than 4 million tons the highest figure in 57 years.

With strong stock conditions, Amran is optimistic that the rice self-sufficiency target in the era of President Prabowo Subianto's administration can be achieved more quickly.

"The self-sufficiency target, which was originally set for the fourth year, I am sure it can be achieved in the third year," he said.

Regarding the issue of the weather anomaly which is said to have caused reduced rice production, Amran stated that the information had been examined and proved inaccurate.

"After being examined, the anomaly was not true. They even apologized to the Food Task Force. But I said, it was not enough to apologize. This must be processed," he said.

The Minister of Agriculture has not yet mentioned who the individuals are suspected of being involved in. However, he stressed that the manipulation of rice data will only encourage import policies that harm farmers.

If farmers are harmed, they are reluctant to plant again. This is dangerous for national food security," he said.

Previously, Amran also highlighted the discrepancy in rice stock movement data at the Cipinang Rice Main Market (PIBC) in May 2025. In one day, rice came out of 11,000 tons, well above the daily average of 1,000 to 3,500 tons.

"For five years, this is the first time 1 day that 11,000 tons of rice have come out. That's not normal," he said.

Amran closed his statement by emphasizing that strengthening farmers is the main key to strengthening the country.

"Our farmers are around 150 million people. If farmers are strong, this country must be strong," he said.