Strong Rice Stockpiles Shield Nation from El Niño Impact

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - National rice stocks remain secure against the threat of El Niño, with the government having strengthened reserves well in advance of the weather phenomenon.

The assurance came from the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

“We have been preparing long before El Niño occurred. Currently, government rice reserves stand at 5.2–5.3 million tons, the highest in Indonesia’s history,” Minister Amran said in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

He added that national rice availability is guaranteed until the end of the year, with stocks expected to last until May 2027.

“God willing, it will be safe until December. We also have enough rice until May,” he said.

This optimism is based on projections of the national food balance. The government estimates that stocks at the end of 2026 will reach 16.24 million tons, derived from beginning‑year stocks of 12.54 million tons plus projected rice production of 34.76 million tons.

Meanwhile, national consumption is projected at 31.1 million tons. Under these conditions, rice stocks are considered sufficient to cover about five months of demand in 2027.

Bapanas also reported that the distribution of Government Rice Reserves continues. As of June 23, 2026, total distribution had reached 1.02 million tons, including rice food aid, the Stabilization of Rice Supply and Prices (SPHP) program, emergency response, and other budget allocations.

The government has also increased rice food aid for three months in the second half of this year to ensure affordability for the public.

As of June 23, rice stocks at the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) stood at 5.17 million tons, the majority sourced from domestic production.

On prices, Bapanas noted that the average price of medium‑grade rice remains below the Highest Retail Price (HET), indicating stable supply and price conditions.

• In Zone I, the average price was IDR 13,080 per kilogram, below the HET of IDR 13,500.
• In Zone II, the average price reached IDR 13,704 per kilogram, under the HET of IDR 14,000.
• In Zone III, covering Maluku and Papua, the average price was IDR 15,244 per kilogram, below the HET of IDR 15,500.

Minister Amran emphasized that the government will continue monitoring domestic food production and stocks to ensure public needs are met despite the potential impact of El Niño. (Misni Parjiati)