inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian instructed regional governments to move quickly to realize food self-sufficiency as a strategic step to face the 2025 dry season.
This instruction was delivered at the Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Food Self-sufficiency Facing the 2025 Dry Season which was held at the Head Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jakarta, Tuesday (6/3/2025).
He explained that food security is not only important for national independence, but also has a major impact on economic growth and inflation control. Referring to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia's inflation was recorded at 1.60 percent (year-on-year) in May 2025.
This figure also shows that food prices are relatively stable and people's purchasing power is maintained.
"It is also to maintain economic growth, and also maintain inflation rates. As it is included in volatile goods, fluctuating goods, which depend on the market, supply and demand," said Tito in his statement in Jakarta, Tuesday (6/3/2025).
He added that although the current national rice stock is considered sufficient, the challenge ahead is the potential impact of the dry season. Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts a wet dry season, but President Prabowo Subianto continues to target agricultural production not to be disrupted.
In fact, it is hoped that production can be increased so that rice stocks meet national needs and open up export opportunities.
"We are one of the world's rice consumers. Well, for example, if we can be rice importers, if we can be self-sufficient in food, let alone export, it will greatly affect world rice prices," he said.
Tito also highlighted the importance of optimal absorption and management of rice stocks. This is a special concern, especially in areas where rice prices are still above the Highest Retail Price (HET), such as the Eastern Indonesia region and island regions such as Nias.
He also asked for special attention from regional heads, regional secretaries, and regional apparatus organizations (OPD), especially the agricultural service, to work together.
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