Government rice stock in Indonesia is expected to reach a record level of 40 lakh tonnes
14-May-2025 11:30 AM
Jakarta. Rice stock in Indonesia, a Southeast Asian country, is expected to cross the 40 lakh tonne mark and reach an all-time high.
According to government data, the reserve stock of rice has already reached 37 lakh tonnes, with procurement still ongoing.
Senior official sources note that this is the first time since the establishment of the government grain procurement agency in 1969 that such a level has been achieved, reflecting the success of government efforts to ensure national food security.
The Agriculture Minister of Indonesia expressed satisfaction over the achievement, attributing it to the coordinated efforts of farmers, the central government, provincial administrations, and Bulog, the government procurement agency.
Bulog played a key role in purchasing paddy from farmers across the country, resulting in a steady increase in rice stock.
This milestone is seen as a historic moment for Indonesia’s food security, with the highest rice stock in the past 57 years.
The minister emphasized that this is not just a figure, but solid evidence of the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers' welfare and achieving food self-reliance.
Industry and trade analysts believe that such a large reserve will significantly reduce Indonesia’s dependence on rice imports, posing challenges for supplier countries like Thailand and the Philippines.
With reduced Indonesian demand, these exporters may need to rely more on other markets, where countries such as India, Pakistan, and Myanmar are already actively competing.
Given the growing global food crisis and Indonesia's rising population, the Agriculture Minister stressed the importance of maintaining a robust domestic rice stock.
Bulog's record procurement, achieved in just five months, marks a sharp contrast to previous years, when the pace of purchase was considerably slower. Although Indonesia has imported rice from India in the past, these imports have been inconsistent.