inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture stated that national food security is well maintained. 

Head of the Ministry of Agriculture's Communication and Information Services Bureau, Moch. Arief Cahyono, said that Indonesia's food production this year continues to show positive developments.

This trend is seen as good news as several countries in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, announced that they are in a state of food security emergency.

"Using data from BPS, our rice production has increased compared to last year. Even above 50 percent," he explained on Saturday (2/22/2025).

On his occasion, he added that last year in January and February there was a shortage of rice and there were queues of people and prices increased to IDR 16,000.

He explained that looking at the current data, the government's food reserves at Bulog are currently around 2 million tons. Meanwhile, the rice that is circulating on the market is around 8 million tons, so people do not need to worry about a rice shortage.

"I assure you, based on the data we received, our food conditions are very safe," he explained. 

In contrast to the conditions of many countries that are currently experiencing a food crisis, such as the Philippines who announced that they are in a state of food security emergency, the increased food stock in Indonesia should be seen as good news.

"Recently, the Philippines even officially declared a food security emergency. This is due to the uncontrolled spike in rice prices," he explained.

According to him, the step was taken to control the price increases that are increasingly burdening the community amid economic pressures and dependence on imports. Responding to the conditions in the neighboring country, he reminded all parties to remain vigilant.

"We are concerned about the situation in the Philippines, but not surprised. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has long warned of the potential for a global food crisis, therefore, we have prepared various strategic programs to anticipate it," he concluded.

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