inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in his speech at the 80th Indonesia's independence Day, emphasized the importance of regulations for large-scale rice milling businesses. 

He stated that large businesses operating in the food sector are required to obtain special permits from the government if they wish to continue operating, in order to protect the people's right to quality, precisely measured rice at affordable prices.

"Don't compromise on the basic needs of the Indonesian people," President Prabowo said in his state address at the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) Building in Jakarta, Friday (8/15/ 2025).

Prabowo continued, explaining that this policy was implemented in response to the practice of some businesses that exploit their capital to dominate and manipulate the rice supply for personal gain. He stated that such actions are unacceptable because they have the potential to harm the lives of many people.

"There are businesspeople who actually use their financial power to manipulate the lives of the people, and this is unacceptable," he further emphasized.

The President also highlighted positive achievements in the food sector, where Indonesia now has a national rice surplus with reserve stocks of over 4 million tons, the highest figure in Indonesian history. For the first time in decades, Indonesia has even resumed exporting rice and corn.

Furthermore, Prabowo added, the government has encouraged increased food production in villages by streamlining fertilizer distribution bureaucracy. This is intended to ensure fertilizer reaches farmers directly without complicated procedures. The government has also raised the price of unhusked rice to IDR 6,500 per kilogram in an effort to improve farmer welfare.

(ad/ta/pr/rs)