TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, or Zulhas, has expressed confidence in the current rice supply, which exceeds 8 million tons. He believes this ample supply will ensure stable rice prices ahead of Christmas and New Year.

“Our rice stock is the highest in history. There are more than 8 million tons,” Zulhas said after casting his vote in the Jakarta Regional Head Election in Cipinang Muara, Jakarta, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The Chair of the National Mandate Party (PAN) explained that the 8 million-ton rice stock comprises approximately 2 million tons held by state logistics agency, Perum Bulog, and over 6 million tons in the community.

Zulhas aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency before 2027, reducing the need for rice imports. “We will try not to import,” he said.

Perum Bulog President Director Wahyu Suparyono has also indicated that the remaining rice import quota may not be fully utilized if the government’s rice reserves are sufficient. Bulog currently holds a stock of 1.8 million tons and aims to optimize domestic absorption.

“It would be ideal if we could rely solely on domestic absorption,” Wahyu told journalists at Graha Mandiri, Jakarta, on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi shares the same sentiment, expressing the desire to cease rice imports starting next year. This aligns with the government's paddy fields printing program initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture.

“Yes, considering the paddy fields printing program and President Prabowo Subianto's goal of domestic production, we aim to minimize imports. Imports will be limited to specific types of rice,” Arief told journalists at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

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