Indonesia Builds up Record Rice Reserves Amid Global Crises

RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - Indonesia has enlarged its food security amid growing global challenges. It includes potential food, energy, and water crises, with government rice reserves reaching record levels and reinforcing preparedness against climate risks such as El Niño.

Head of the National Food Agency (NFA) and Agriculture Minister, Andi Amran Sulaiman, conveyed the world is currently facing three major crises-food, energy, and water—that require immediate solutions. “Currently, global conditions show that the world is facing three crises: a food crisis, an energy crisis, and a water crisis. These three must be addressed as quickly as possible,” he said in Surabaya on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

As quoted by NFA press release, despite these pressures, Indonesia is considered to be in a relatively strong position, particularly in anticipating the impact of El Niño. Government rice reserves (CBP), managed by Perum Bulog, have reached 4.9 million tons and are projected to surpass 5 million tons in the near term.

“In terms of food, under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, our rice reserves are now the highest in the history of the Republic of Indonesia-4.9 million tons, and God willing, by Thursday they will reach 5 million tons,” he said .

The stockpile serves as a key buffer against potential disruptions from extreme climate phenomena, including a possible “Godzilla” El Niño scenario expected to last around six months. “We have already calculated the El Niño impact. This ‘Godzilla’ El Niño could last about six months. We have experience from previous events in 2015, 2023, and 2024. We have prepared early, so God willing, we are safe,” Amran said.

The agency data show that current reserves have surged by 221.7 percent compared to levels recorded ahead of the 2023 El Niño peak. At that time, based on data from the Badan Meteorologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG), peak conditions occurred between October and December 2023, when reserves stood at 1.52 million tons.

“Today, our rice reserves stand at 4.9 million tons. Anyone who doubts this data can check directly at Bulog warehouses. We inform all Indonesians that our reserves are 4.9 million tons, and by next week—no later than Thursday or Friday—they will reach 5 million tons, the highest in our history,” he said.

The increase in reserves has been supported by stronger domestic rice production, enabling Indonesia to halt rice imports starting in 2025. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) show Indonesia recorded the largest annual drop in rice imports among 79 countries, declining by 3.8 million tons in 2025.

Meanwhile, countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam remain among the world’s largest rice importers, highlighting Indonesia’s improving self-sufficiency position. “Thank God, our food is secure. Indonesia has achieved rice self-sufficiency. We are also self-sufficient in protein. Our poultry and eggs are already being exported,” Amran said.

The improved food security has also contributed to stronger farmer welfare. Data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) showed the Farmers’ Terms of Trade (NTP) excluding fisheries has remained above 120 since July 2024, peaking at 126.11 in December 2025 and February 2026, the highest level in seven years.