Ahead of Ramadan, President Prabowo Ensures National Food Stock Security
President Prabowo Subianto welcomes the visit of the 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, and the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, at the Presidential Lounge of the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Tuesday (02/04). (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the visit of the 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, and the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, at the Presidential Lounge of the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Tuesday (02/04). The meeting discussed government strategies to safeguard the sharply increasing national rice production and ensure price stability ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Minister Amran revealed that rice production in the first quarter of 2025 had experienced a significant surge. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), as of March, total rice production had reached 8 million tons, with projections indicating an increase to 13–14 million tons by April. Given this substantial surplus, President Prabowo instructed the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) to accelerate the absorption of unhusked rice to maintain stable prices at the farmer level.
“As of today, the average price nationwide is below the government purchase price (HPP). However, when examined at the provincial level, around 70 percent of provinces have unhusked rice prices below the HPP, while approximately 30 percent are above the HPP,” Minister Amran told reporters following the meeting.
To address this situation, the government has taken swift action by allocating Rp16.6 trillion to Bulog at zero interest. Minister Amran further stated that President Prabowo had emphasized that the ongoing rice harvest from February to April is a critical period that must not be overlooked.
“The policies, presidential instructions, and other directives have been issued by the President. Therefore, there is no excuse for failing to execute this program. No excuse. We must seize this opportunity,” Minister Amran asserted.
In addition to rice production, the meeting also focused on food security ahead of Ramadan. The government has ensured that rice stocks remain secure, with 2 million tons in Bulog’s reserves. “We are confident that as we approach the holy month of Ramadan, food supplies will remain relatively stable,” Minister Amran stated.
On this occasion, Minister Amran also gave an explanation of the presence of the 10th and 12th Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, at the meeting. According to Amran, Kalla provided valuable insights based on his extensive experience in managing national food security in the past.
“Mr. Kalla shared his insights, given his vast experience, on how to proceed, how to obtain unhusked rice, how were the green revolution and the BIMAS (Bimbingan Masyarakat – mass guidance) program like. His input is highly valuable to us,” Minister Amran remarked.
The government aims to ensure that these policies maintain a balance between the interests of farmers, businesspeople, and consumers. With well-coordinated strategies and full support from President Prabowo, the government remains optimistic about safeguarding national food stability while ensuring the welfare of farmers and the broader public.
Also present at the meeting were Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. (BPMI Setpres/DNS) (AY/LW)
