Indonesia Halts Rice Imports in 2025 as Domestic Stocks Reach Record 4.2 Million Tons
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman says Indonesia has stopped rice imports this year after domestic reserves reached record levels, providing assurance of food security amid a global supply crisis.
Amran said on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, that rice stocks in the country continued to rise, allowing the government to refrain from importing. “We are grateful that domestic rice stocks are more than sufficient, so this year we do not need imports. As of August, our reserves are safe, and production remains on track and continues to increase,” he stated in a written announcement.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Statistics Indonesia (BPS), national rice production rose significantly to an estimated 33.8–35.6 million tons in 2025, up from 30.62 million tons in 2024. Government reserves climbed to a historic high of 4.2 million tons, the highest level in 57 years.
Amran contrasted this achievement with the previous period of deficits, when Indonesia imported seven million tons of rice in 2023 and between three to four million tons in 2024. “Now, our stocks are the highest in history, and the world recognizes Indonesia’s food security. Both FAO and the United States Department of Agriculture have praised this milestone,” he added.
The minister also noted that rice prices, which had surged earlier this year, have begun to ease. Based on the Food Price Panel of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) as of Aug. 26, prices of medium and premium rice varieties declined across 15 provinces, including Aceh, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, and Bali.
“Two days ago, prices fell in 13 provinces, and now it has spread to 15. I am optimistic prices will stabilize further in the coming weeks as distribution of government-subsidized rice improves,” Amran said, referring to the Stabilisasi Pasokan dan Harga Pangan (SPHP) program, or the Food Supply and Price Stabilization scheme.
Retailers have also reported signs of relief. The Indonesian Retail Entrepreneurs Association (Aprindo) stated that modern markets were replenishing stocks, with prices dropping by around Rp 1,000 ($0.06) per kilogram. The decline was driven by Bulog, the state logistics agency, which has been distributing SPHP rice with support from the military and police.
Currently, Bulog is distributing 6,000 tons of SPHP rice per day, with plans to increase to between 7,000 and 10,000 tons daily until the end of 2025. The total distribution target through December is set at 1.3 million tons.
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