ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia has emerged as a major influencer in the global rice market.
Under the direct directive of President Prabowo Subianto, the government’s bold decision to halt rice imports for 2025 has reshaped international price dynamics and strengthened national food security.
Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Andi Amran Sulaiman, emphasized that this milestone is the result of the hard work of Indonesian farmers and the rapid escalation of domestic rice production.
“What is remarkable is that Indonesia has helped lower global food prices. The international rice price dropped from around USD 650 per ton to USD 371. This happened because Indonesia—previously a major importer—stopped importing,” Amran stated quoted on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Indonesia Becomes a Key Trendsetter in the Global Rice Market
Data on 5% broken white rice (FOB) from leading exporting countries show a significant price shift:
January 2024: USD 622–655 per ton
December 2024 (after Indonesia announced its import halt): USD 455–514 per ton
FAO All Rice Price Index (FARPI):
December 2024: down 1.2% to 119.2 points
September 2025: further dropped to 100.9 points
Indonesia’s decision to strengthen domestic supply has triggered a global cooling effect on rice prices.
National Rice Output Soars, Creating a 3.8 Million-Ton Surplus
According to BPS (Statistics Indonesia), Indonesia’s rice production in 2025 is projected to reach 34.77 million tons, the highest in recent years and a significant jump from the 2024 output of 30.62 million tons.
With national rice consumption estimated at 30.97 million tons, Indonesia is set to enjoy a surplus of 3.8 million tons.
“This is the highest increase we’ve seen, and our stock is at its strongest. It is the result of everyone’s hard work,” Amran said.
The surge in production has also improved farmers’ welfare. The Price Received Index for rice farmers rose from 136.78 in January 2025 to 146.24 in October 2025.
Government Establishes Task Force to Maintain Price Stability
To ensure stability from production to retail, the government has established the 2025 Rice Price Control Task Force, under National Food Agency Decree Number 375/2025.
The task force includes: Indonesian National Police (Polri), Ministry of Trade, Bapanas, Perum Bulog, and Regional governments.
As of 1 November 2025, the task force has carried out inspections at 5,648 locations nationwide, spanning producers, distributors, wholesalers, modern retailers, and traditional markets.
“We have instructed Bapanas to open direct command posts in regions where rice prices are still high. Bulog will intervene in the market, while trade officials and law enforcement oversee distribution,” Amran explained.
Despite logistical challenges—particularly in Papua, where rice transport requires air freight—the government stresses that Indonesia has now entered a new era of rice self-sufficiency.
Indonesia Emerges as a Global Food Price Stabilizer
With abundant production, strong national reserves, and measurable influence on global prices, Indonesia is no longer just a participant in the global rice market—it is now a key stabilizer and trendsetter.
This transformation marks a significant leap in Indonesia’s food sovereignty agenda and reinforces its growing role in shaping global agricultural economics. (AT Network)
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