Minister Assures U.S. Farm Imports Will Not Undermine Food Security
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesia’s Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that the country’s food security will not be affected by planned agricultural imports from the United States worth up to $4.5 billion (Rp 72 trillion).
The imports are part of a broader trade agreement under which the U.S. agreed to lower tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19%. The deal sparked concerns over whether an influx of U.S. agricultural commodities would hurt domestic food production and farmers.
Amran said on Saturday, July 19, that his ministry continues to exercise full authority over technical import recommendations, ensuring imports align with national food resilience policies.
“The obligation will not be counterproductive to our food security programs. The Ministry of Agriculture retains its authority over import recommendations,” Amran said in a written statement.
He cited the example of corn, which Indonesia previously imported but no longer does due to increased domestic production. “If supply is sufficient, there will be no imports. We base decisions on Ministry recommendations. Imports cannot happen arbitrarily,” he stressed.
According to Amran, Indonesia is now on a path toward self-sufficiency in corn and is positioning itself as a sustainable exporter. He noted that local production has recorded a significant surplus.
“Our farmers are extraordinary. With synergy between central and regional governments, we are confident that Indonesia can consistently achieve self-sufficiency and export corn,” he said.
Amran also called on all stakeholders to support the country’s food independence efforts and maintain the momentum of agricultural growth.
“The data and facts are clear—our corn is strong, our farmers are exceptional. What we need now is to safeguard these gains to ensure sustainability and improve farmer welfare,” he concluded.