RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government predicts that the total rice supply nationwide in 2026 will be around 47.1 million tons. This number indicates that Indonesia has a surplus to meet domestic demand, suggesting robust supply.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) Director of Food Distribution and Reserves, Rachmi Widiriani, said that the country's food supply is assured for the whole year. "National food availability is assured to be robust and able to satisfy public demand all year," Rachmi said in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to the Rice Food Balance Projection as of March 5, 2026, Bapanas predicts that total national rice availability will be about 47.1 million tons this year. This quantity is thought to be more than enough to cover Indonesia's annual consumption requirements.

According to Rachmi, Indonesian rice demand remains relatively stable each month. Therefore, the national stock position remains secure. "Monthly rice demand in Indonesia is comparatively consistent at 2.5 million tons. Indonesia is currently in a rice surplus, and we are in a strong position, she said.

Specifically, the predicted 47.1 million tons of rice availability is derived from an estimated 12.4 million tons of rice reserves at the beginning of the year. This is on top of the anticipated national rice output for 2026, which is expected to be 34.7 million tons.

Despite national consumption needs estimated at about 31.1 million tons, Indonesia is still expected to have year-end stocks of about 16 million tons. Even amid shifting global geopolitical events, this scenario improves the nation's rice supply situation.

Rachmi also added that in addition to rice, several other food commodities, such as chicken eggs and chicken meat, are also in surplus.

The government continues to ensure food availability is maintained by strengthening domestic production and planned supply management. If there are commodities that still require additional imports from abroad, this policy has been taken into account from the outset to maintain supply balance and price stability.

"Therefore, don't be concerned about the food supply right now. This has been anticipated from the start if there are commodities that need more imports, like garlic," she stated.

Additionally, she noted that import timing is controlled and import requirements are assessed to prevent any negative impact on domestic price stability.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Muhammad Qodari, emphasized that the food sector is one of the top priorities of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

According to Qodari, a solid food industry is essential to national stability, especially in the face of potential global crises.

"The President has emphasized the importance of food self-sufficiency from the beginning. Today, we witness the importance of the preparations made over the past year and a half," Qodari said.

He considered the government's steps to strengthen food security an anticipatory strategy to face various potential crises in the future.

Previously, the Minister of Agriculture/National Food Agency Head, Andi Amran Sulaiman, confirmed that the national food situation is currently secure and under control, especially for rice, the staple food of the people.

"If we look at today's data, our food supply is very secure. The total national rice stock is sufficient for the next 324 days, or approximately 10.8 months, so the public has no need to worry," said Minister Amran. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)