Indonesia strengthens food supply with rice output reaching 5.7 million tonnes

Indonesia has secured sufficient rice reserves to cover domestic needs for approximately 324 days, equivalent to almost 11 months, according to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman. He emphasised that current production levels and existing stocks ensure stable food supplies across the country, ANTARA reports.

Official data released in March indicates that Indonesia’s monthly rice output ranges between 2.6 million and 5.7 million tonnes. This exceeds the national average monthly consumption of around 2.59 million tonnes, demonstrating the country’s ability to maintain a comfortable supply buffer.

The minister stated that total confirmed rice reserves currently stand at 27.99 million tonnes. Of this amount, 3.76 million tonnes are held by the state logistics agency Bulog, while 12.50 million tonnes are stored by households. In addition, around 11.73 million tonnes of standing crops are approaching harvest, further strengthening the national supply.

Production forecasts also point to continued growth. Indonesia is expected to produce approximately 16.92 million tonnes of rice between January and May 2026.

"Our estimates suggest that Bulog stocks will reach five million tonnes over the next two months, further strengthening the government’s rice reserves," Sulaiman added.

Aside from strong output, the government is expanding programs designed to sustain agricultural productivity. Plans include the installation of water pumps to irrigate around two million hectares of farmland in order to anticipate potential drought conditions. Fertiliser supplies remain sufficient, with prices reduced by 20 per cent to support farmers’ planting efforts.

The authorities are also working to optimise swampland cultivation to safeguard production during the dry season, strengthening Indonesia’s long-term food security.