Indonesia's Rice Reserves Hit Record 4.5 Million Tonnes, Surpassing Storage Capacity

JAKARTA, April 5 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s rice reserves have surged to a record 4.5 million tonnes, exceeding storage capacity, as the government ramps up domestic production despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

According to ANTARA News Agency, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said the stockpile, managed by state-owned logistics agency Bulog, is the highest since independence, assuring that national food security remains intact.

He noted that current stockpiles have exceeded the 3 million-tonne warehouse capacity, with an additional 2 million tonnes of storage being rented and more expected to be secured.

“Our warehouses are already full, with a capacity of only 3 million tonnes. We have now rented 2 million tonnes of warehouse space. 

“We will rent more in the future. It is possible that within the next 10 to 20 days, the stock will reach 5 million tonnes,” he said during a visit to a Bulog warehouse in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Sunday.

Amran said the surge reflects the impact of government policies aimed at boosting domestic rice production over a short period, in support of Indonesia’s push for self-sufficiency in the staple.

He attributed the gains to measures such as raising the government purchase price of unhusked rice to Rp6,500 per kilogram, reducing subsidised fertiliser prices by 20 per cent, and accelerating the adoption of modern agricultural practices.

“Now, (in line with) the direction of President Prabowo (Subianto), the President’s main priority programme has proven capable of increasing rice production in a short time, in just one year,” he said.

-- BERNAMA