Indonesia maintains food security and rice reserves amid El Nino concerns

Indonesia's food security remains stable despite potential disruptions from El Nino, according to government officials. Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani stated that national rice stocks are approximately 4.9 million tons, following a peak of 5.4 million tons. This supply is intended to buffer against weather-related risks.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan confirmed that national rice reserves stood at about 5.25 million tons as of August 2026. With projected rice production for 2026 estimated between 34.77 million and 38.6 million tons against a domestic demand of 31.10 million tons, the country anticipates a surplus of between 3.67 million and 7.50 million tons.

The government has already distributed nearly 1.9 million tons of Government Rice Reserves (CBP) in 2026 to maintain price stability and availability. Additionally, the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program has distributed between 731,000 and 952,000 tons of rice.