In a significant policy shift, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his ministers to suspend the importation of rice, salt, consumable sugar, and corn for 2025. The announcement came following a meeting at the State Palace, as confirmed by Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan.
Speaking to the press after the two-hour meeting, Hasan revealed that no import quotas will be set for these essential commodities next year. The decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to bolster Indonesia’s food security and promote self-sufficiency.
Alongside the import suspension, President Prabowo approved a price hike for unhusked rice, increasing the government purchasing price (HPP) from Rp6,000 (approximately US$0.37) to Rp6,500 (around US$0.40) per kilogram. Similarly, the benchmark purchase price (HAP) for corn was raised from Rp5,000 (roughly US$0.31) to Rp5,500 (about US$0.34) per kilogram.
Hasan emphasized that the decision was the result of extensive discussions aimed at supporting local farmers. In a historic move, the government will now purchase all unhusked rice, rice, and corn produced by farmers at the newly set prices. These agricultural products will be stored in state-run warehouses, including those managed by the national logistics company Bulog, cooperatives, and those operating under a warehouse receipt system.
The meeting, which focused on advancing Indonesia’s food security programs, marked a pivotal step in President Prabowo’s vision of achieving food self-sufficiency. Since taking office, Prabowo has been vocal about his commitment to strengthening the nation’s agricultural sector.
In his inaugural speech on October 20, 2024, Prabowo expressed confidence that Indonesia would attain food self-sufficiency within four to five years, a goal now supported by these strategic changes in national food policy.
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