Consequence

A Stark Contrast: Food ⁤Banks strain in the US as Indonesia Achieves Record Harvests

A growing⁣ food crisis is unfolding​ in ⁤the United States, with food ‌banks across the nation reporting dwindling supplies and a surge ⁤in demand. This situation is exacerbated by‌ the recent termination of the Supplemental Nutrition ⁤Assistance ⁢Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative providing vital food assistance to low-income households. Reports indicate storage shelves are emptying as donations from grocery stores decrease, a outcome of both inflation and evolving tariff policies impacting the trade sector.Individuals previously‍ reliant on⁢ aid are now facing limited resources as existing stocks diminish.

The crisis ‌in developed nations ⁣stands in sharp contrast to Indonesia’s current agricultural success. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) projects a record rice production of 34.77 million ⁢tonnes for January to December 2025 – ‍a 13.54% increase (4.15 million tonnes)‍ compared​ to the same period ‌in 2024, marking ⁤the highest production in a decade.⁢ Furthermore, rice⁤ reserves‌ held by Bulog, the Indonesian logistics agency, have reached an ‍unprecedented 4.2 million​ tonnes ⁤as of June.

Positive trends extend beyond rice. National corn production is also projected to rise, with an estimated 16.55 million tonnes⁤ of dry shelled corn (14% moisture content) anticipated for january to December 2025. This⁣ represents a 9.34% increase ⁢(1.41 million tonnes) over the previous year.

Indonesian⁢ Minister of‍ Agriculture, Andi⁤ Amran Sulaiman,​ attributes this success to collaborative efforts between farmers, agricultural extension workers, and ‍all levels of the agricultural sector, operating under unified direction. “Indonesia is not only food secure, but ‍also has a surplus,” stated Amran. “This is the result of the mutual cooperation⁤ of ‍farmers and ‍the ‍hard work of all parties who ensure ⁣that production⁣ continues to ‌increase.”

He highlighted key programs – accelerated simultaneous planting, provision of agricultural tools ⁤and machinery (Alsintan), and strengthening superior seed varieties ⁢- as crucial foundations⁤ for maintaining productivity despite⁢ global climate challenges.

This situation underscores the importance of agricultural independence and farmer support in achieving ⁣true food security, rather than relying solely on economic strength. While many nations grapple with food shortages, Indonesia is demonstrating resilience with ‌abundant⁢ reserves and controlled food inflation.

Amran concluded, “We must ‍be grateful, as at a ⁤time ‍when the world was anxious about food, Indonesia ⁤actually succeeded. ‌Thanks to President⁣ Prabowo’s ideas, now our food production has increased,​ even had a surplus, then the welfare⁣ of farmers has​ increased and moast importantly the Indonesian peopel‍ have enough ⁤food and we can even supply it to ⁤other countries.”

(akd/ega)