Reduced Indonesia Imports for Improved Food Self-Sufficiency

Indonesia has boldly long envisioned food self-sufficiency for the following years, aiming to cut down on imports and boost domestic production. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, the government is expanding farmland, increasing production output, and working toward eliminating barang or imported goods like rice and salt.

Yet, progress has been mixed. Just over 100 days into the initiative, Indonesia imported one million metric tons of rice from Vietnam and China to stabilise food reserves. Tangible results remain limited, raising concerns about the feasibility of these goals.

In 2024, an interministerial meeting led by the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, also approved an additional one million metric tons of rice imports from India due to delayed harvests.

On the other hand, domestic production is showing signs of growth. In January 2025, Indonesia’s rice production reached 1.3 million tons, with projections of 2.08 million tons for February. While these figures indicate growth, they may not meet national demand, especially considering the government remains committed to ending rice imports by the end of 2025.

But with unpredictable weather patterns and rising demand, can Indonesia realistically achieve food independence? How will its push to reduce imports impact global trade? Let’s explore the latest developments and their implications for international markets.

Indonesia’s Food Sufficiency Plans

In early 2025, Indonesia intensified its push for food self-sufficiency, aiming to eliminate imports of rice, corn, salt, and sugar by the end of the year. This initiative, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, is central to the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.

Key highlights of this strategy include:

• Cancelling food imports by the end of 2025 will target staple commodities to encourage domestic production.
• Expanding farmland by 3 million hectares over the next five years will focus on improving rice cultivation in South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and Papua.
• Rp16 trillion (US$986 million) investment in agricultural infrastructure, improving irrigation systems, farming equipment, and financial support for farmers.
• Recognising the aging farmer population, the government actively encourages youth participation in agriculture.
• The agriculture ministry has allocated a budget primarily for purchasing seeds and developing new rice fields, supporting the self-sufficiency goal.

At first glance, the government’s plan appears ambitious. Increasing agricultural land, modernising irrigation, and reducing imports could, in theory, strengthen food security and reduce reliance on foreign supply.

However, these promises are not new. Past administrations have set similar self-sufficiency targets, yet historically, Indonesia has struggled to meet its rice production needs despite significant efforts, including the Green Revolution in the 1960s and the introduction of high-yielding varieties.

Despite progress, challenges persist. The aging farmer population raises concerns about long-term sustainability, while the appointment of military personnel in agricultural roles has sparked debate over governance.

Indonesia Imports To Be Reduced

The government is publicly committed to reducing imports, but real-world data suggests a slower transition than anticipated. Here’s a sector-by-sector breakdown:

Rice

Indonesia has set a 32 juta-tonne rice production target for 2025, but import trends tell a different story.

• In 2023, Indonesia imported 1.1 million tons of rice from Vietnam and 1.3 million tons from Thailand, making these two countries Indonesia’s largest rice suppliers.
• In October 2024, Indonesia approved another juta ton of rice imports from India to stabilise supply amid delayed harvests.
• Vietnamese officials doubt Indonesia can stop rice imports by 2025, citing climate uncertainties and potential food stock depletion.

Sugar

Indonesia aims to reduce sugar imports, yet demand still exceeds domestic supply.

• Indonesia imported five million tons of raw sugar from China and Thailand in 2023.
• In February 2025, the National Food Agency announced another 200,000-ton raw sugar import to stabilise white sugar prices before Ramadan.
• Domestic sugar output for 2025 is projected at 2.6 juta tons, while demand is estimated at 2.84 juta tons.

Corn

Corn is essential for Indonesia’s livestock industry, particularly for animal feed.

• Due to low domestic yields and climate-related disruptions, Indonesia imports significant corn to support its livestock industry.
• Many foreign countries still import corn to Indonesia to sustain the livestock sector.

Salt

Indonesia wants to eliminate salt imports, but local product quality issues persist.

• In 2023, Indonesia still imported millions of tonnes of salt as domestic production failed to meet industrial demand.
• Without technological advancements, achieving self-sufficiency in salt remains a long-term goal.

Feasibility and Sustainability of Reducing Indonesia Imports

The numbers tell a different story than government rhetoric: imports are not declining as planned. Instead, reliance on foreign commodities remains strong.

• Despite government efforts, imports remain high. Vietnam exported 1.1 million tonnes of rice to Indonesia in 2023 and expects imports to resume once reserves are depleted.
• Domestic rice production is projected to decline by 2.43% in 2024, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), due to extended dry seasons, raising concerns over meeting demand.
• An ageing farmer population and lack of young successors threaten long-term agricultural sustainability, as many young Indonesians prefer office or factory jobs over farming.
• Initiatives like Burno Village’s social forestry project, where locals cultivate rice on forest land, show promise but need scalability and sustained investment.
• Expanding agricultural land, improving infrastructure, and developing irrigation networks require significant investment, raising concerns about cost-efficiency.
• Prabowo ordered a 256 trillion rupiah (US$15.76 billion) budget cut, affecting critical infrastructure projects, including irrigation systems crucial for production enhancement.

Experts warn that rushed policies risk becoming political promises rather than sustainable solutions without a clear roadmap for food self-sufficiency.

Achieving long-term food security requires more than import restrictions. It requires investing in climate-resilient farming, efficient irrigation, and rural workforce development.

So, can Indonesia balance its import reductions with real-world demand?

Real-Time Indonesia Imports and Exports Updates

Understanding Indonesia-export-import data is crucial for businesses and trade analysts tracking market trends. TradeDataPro provides real-time insights into imports, non-oil exports, and international trade patterns.

• Track Indonesia’s latest export and import data from major negara like China, Vietnam, and India.
• Analyse USD trade values and market trends in key produk sectors.
• Get insights into agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial impor.

Additionally, Indonesia’s major port facilities, such as Tanjung Priok and Belawan, are crucial in handling imported goods. Any changes in import policies directly affect shipping activities to the port, influencing logistics costs and supply chain efficiency.

To stay updated on Indonesia’s evolving trade landscape, visit TradeDataPro for the latest data-driven analysis and in-depth insights into Indonesian imports, export patterns, and global trade trends.

Conclusion: Will Indonesia’s Food Independence Dream Become Reality?

Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency goal for the following years is ambitious, but will it succeed where past efforts have failed? Climate risks, delayed harvests, and supply chain disruptions continue to challenge the country’s ability to meet domestic demand without relying on imports.

Will Indonesia break free from reliance on foreign products, or will economic and environmental pressures force it to maintain trade partnerships? Without decisive action, self-sufficiency risks becoming just another political slogan — an idealistic goal that never materialises.

As import policies evolve, businesses and policymakers must stay vigilant and adapt to market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Indonesia’s food security future will depend on a balanced approach that supports local production while maintaining trade flexibility in an unpredictable global landscape.

The question remains: Is Indonesia’s path to food independence a true revolution or just another chapter in a history of unfulfilled promises?