Indonesia, Japan Boost Cooperation for Rice Self-Sufficiency

KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a technical cooperation agreement, Thursday (19/6/2025), to strengthen national food security, particularly in achieving rice self-sufficiency. The partnership, titled "Project for Formulation of Agricultural Planning Strategy of National Food Security," will commence in September 2025 and run for 18 months, according to an official statement.

The collaboration aims to develop and implement strategies to enhance food self-sufficiency, focusing on staple crops like rice, while improving monitoring and evaluation systems. This partnership will support Indonesia's efforts in food security planning and align with our National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029.

JICA will work closely with the ministry’s Planning Bureau to formulate self-sufficiency roadmaps that complement Indonesia’s Strategic Plan (RENSTRA). The initiative is expected to strengthen the government’s capacity in food security policy implementation, supporting the national priority of achieving food self-sufficiency within five years.

Food security—particularly stable rice supply—remains a critical issue for Indonesia, directly impacting national stability and public welfare. The newly inaugurated Prabowo-Gibran administration, which took office in October 2024, has prioritized food self-sufficiency under its Asta Cita program, aligning with the long-term vision of "Golden Indonesia 2045."

The National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, ratified in February 2025, further emphasizes food security as a key government agenda. Efforts include strengthening food systems and establishing a Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs. This latest cooperation with JICA marks a strategic step toward realizing these goals through international expertise and planning innovation.