Indonesia achieves full self-sufficiency in rice and maize, ending imports in 2025

 Indonesia has reported that the country achieved full self-sufficiency in its staple grains, rice and maize, for the first time, with domestic production meeting all national requirements and imports effectively halted in 2025, government data show.

Authorities have signalled intentions to maintain zero rice and maize imports through 2026 and redirect resources to other commodities that remain import-dependent, including soybeans, wheat, and white sugar, where full self-sufficiency has not yet been realised.

Data from the Area Sampling Frame Programme of Statistics Indonesia show total rice output for January–December 2025 is projected at 34.77 million tonnes, up 13.54% from the prior year, reflecting a record harvest driven by strong farm support policies and expanding productive capacity.

State reserves reached about 4 million tonnes by mid-year, the highest in the country’s history, and were used to support populations in flood-affected provinces by November.

On maize, domestic output has also risen to meet demand for both food and animal feed, supporting key downstream sectors such as poultry and eggs.

The maize harvest is estimated at 2.8 million tonnes by year-end, with production expected to approach 4 million tonnes by late 2025.

Achieving rice and maize self-sufficiency is a core component of Indonesia’s broader food security strategy.

Key to this milestone has been government action to uplift farmer profitability. Procurement prices for rice were raised and stabilised, stimulating cultivation and enabling farmers to benefit from higher returns.

The administration of President Prabowo Subianto has prioritised agricultural reform through procurement support, introduction of new technologies, and land development efforts, particularly on Kalimantan.

The government is also focusing on modernising agriculture and attracting young specialists, complementing longstanding irrigation and mechanisation projects. Initiatives range from precision farming and use of drones to improve production efficiency to extensive public-sector support for inputs such as fertiliser distribution.

The Ministry of Agriculture plans to expand the output of these staples while deploying technology and targeted support to bolster domestic supply chains.Historical import volumes had reached several million tonnes in earlier years, with high import bills. In 2024, Indonesia imported rice worth an estimated US$2.2 billion from January to September 2024, illustrating the fiscal pressure of meeting demand through trade.

This article has been republished from The Milling Middle East and Africa.