Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan clarified on Monday (2/3/2026) that the planned import of 1,000 tons of rice from the United States is strictly limited to specialty varieties.

Following a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, the Minister emphasized that these imports, which include low-glycemic rice for diabetics and specific grains for high-end international restaurants, will not compete with local staple supplies.

"This is specialty rice; for instance, varieties for those with high blood sugar. It is clearly not the rice used for our general consumption," Minister Zulkifli said at the Presidential Palace Complex, as reported by antaranews.com

The import is part of a broader Reciprocal Trade Agreement (RTA) with the U.S. worth $4.5 billion. 

Minister Zulkifli noted that these products, which can cost over 100,000 Rp per kilogram, cater to a niche market and do not affect the price or availability of medium-grade rice. He reassured the public that domestic production remains sufficient for national needs, and the government has no plans to import general consumption rice from the United States.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)