Indonesia on Track for Food Self-Sufficiency by December 2025, Minister Says
Padang, Indonesia – Indonesia is poised to achieve national food self-sufficiency within the next three months, by December 2025, driven by an accelerated national agricultural program, according to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman. The announcement came during a coordination meeting with regional leaders – governors, district heads, and mayors – held in West Sumatra on Tuesday.
Minister Sulaiman emphasized the government’s commitment to meeting ambitious targets set by President Prabowo Subianto. “If no significant obstacles arise, we anticipate achieving food self-sufficiency by early next year,” he stated.
A key component of this push involves the strategic expansion of “food estates” in several key regions: Merauke (South Papua),South Kalimantan,Central Kalimantan,and South Sumatra. The government envisions these estates becoming globally significant food production hubs, leveraging a transition from conventional farming methods to more modern, efficient agricultural techniques.
“These estates will not only bolster production but also facilitate downstream processing, enabling large-scale exports of value-added products,” Sulaiman explained, highlighting the importance of maximizing economic benefit through robust downstream industries.
The timing of this initiative coincides with the food sector’s growing prominence in Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Recent data from the Finance Ministry and Central Statistics Agency confirms the sector is now the largest contributor to the national economy.
“This aligns perfectly with the President’s vision for efficiency, effectiveness, and increased productivity, all of which we are demonstrably achieving within the food sector,” Sulaiman added.
Recent production figures underscore the positive trend. Rice production has already reached 31 million tons as of October, with projections estimating a total of 34 million tons for the year. Indonesia’s rice reserves currently stand at a record high of 4.2 million tons – the largest since the nation’s independence.
International organizations are also recognizing Indonesia’s agricultural advancements.The UN food and Agriculture Association (FAO) forecasts the country’s overall food production to reach 35.6 million tons in 2025, while the US Department of Agriculture predicts rice output will hit 34.6 million tons – the highest in Southeast Asia.
Related: LEISA farming boosts rice yield by 72 pct in East Kalimantan trial & RI leading in rice production in Southeast Asia: minister
Keywords: Indonesia, food security, food self-sufficiency, agriculture, rice production, food estates, Prabowo Subianto, Andi Amran Sulaiman, GDP, FAO, USDA, Southeast Asia.
