JAKARTA, 4th May, 2025 (WAM) - Indonesia is on track to achieve food self-sufficiency by strengthening national rice stocks, maintaining historically low inflation, and implementing strategic production policies, according to a government official.

"With low inflation and stable rice reserves, we are optimistic that Indonesia can achieve food self-sufficiency," said Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas).

Adi noted that Indonesia's 2024 inflation rate stands at 1.57% - the lowest in the country's history - indicating successful efforts to stabilise food prices.

He added that the country's government rice reserves have reached 3.1 million tonnes, the highest level since Indonesia's independence, providing a solid foundation for food security.

"Since 1958, Indonesia's inflation has never been as low as 1.57%. This is supported by record-high rice availability, which now stands at 3.1 million tonnes," he said as quoted by Indonesian News Agency (ANTARA).

According to Adi, increasing national food production remains a top priority, along with efforts to improve farmer welfare - the focus of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

"Mr. Prabowo is very concerned about farmers' well-being. We want to increase production, but we also want our farmers to prosper," he affirmed.

Adi emphasised that Indonesia's food security must be built on principles of independence and sovereignty, with availability, affordability, and accessibility as its three main pillars. The ultimate goal, he said, is food self-sufficiency.

He also pointed out that while rice prices are rising in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines, Indonesia's situation remains stable.

The purchase price for farmers' grain in the country is currently set at Rp6,500 (approximately US$0.39) per kilogram, with stable stock levels in place.

Thanks to coordinated efforts from technical ministries, Indonesia is projected to have a rice surplus of 1.68 million tonnes through May 2025, he said.