President Prabowo Subianto recently revealed that numerous countries are expressing keen interest in securing rice supplies from Indonesia. This surge in demand comes amidst a backdrop of global crises and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting Indonesia’s emerging role in international food security.
“There are those who want to buy rice, and then they ask for a discount, but they ask for a substantial discount,” Prabowo stated. His remarks were made during the inauguration of operations for 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, an event monitored online via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Saturday, May 16.
He elaborated that these requests intensified after major rice exporters like India and Bangladesh imposed bans or restrictions on the export of staple commodities including rice, corn, and wheat. This shift compelled various nations to approach Indonesia in their urgent search for rice supplies.
President Prabowo affirmed that he has issued directives for Indonesia to fulfill these requests by selling rice to other countries. He emphasized that this initiative is crucial for assisting nations facing severe food shortages.
However, Prabowo underscored a critical condition for these transactions: “The price must be fair; farmers should not be victimized. The price must at least be reasonable, not too cheap, but also not excessively profitable.” This approach aims to protect domestic producers while providing essential aid internationally.
Despite the commitment to assisting other countries, Prabowo issued a strong warning to relevant entities, such as Bulog (Indonesia’s state logistics agency), to prioritize domestic needs above all else. This caution is prudent, considering the potential for a prolonged global crisis.
“And I always say, food is a matter of life and death for a nation,” he asserted, reiterating his deep conviction regarding the strategic importance of food sovereignty.
For Prabowo, food transcends its status as a mere commodity; it is fundamentally a question of a nation’s survival. He explicitly rejects the notion that fulfilling domestic needs is more efficiently achieved through imports. He firmly believes that national resilience in food supply is paramount.
“The survival of a nation isn’t just about what’s cheaper, but whether it’s available or not. History has ultimately proven that we are more secure regarding food. Whatever crisis arises outside our country, we are relatively safer, better prepared to face challenges,” he concluded, emphasizing Indonesia’s self-reliance.
Demand for Fertilizer from Other Countries
Beyond rice, Prabowo also disclosed that several countries have submitted requests for urea fertilizer imports from Indonesia. This vital information, he noted, was relayed to him by Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman.
“We are not euphoric, nor are we arrogant. We are now in a position to offer assistance. Australia is asking for help, as are the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. I have ordered to help everyone,” Prabowo declared during the inauguration of the Ibu Marsinah Museum and Shelter Home in Nganjuk, East Java, also monitored online on Saturday, May 16.
Prabowo highlighted that Indonesia has already supplied 500,000 tons of urea fertilizer to Australia. He attributed the global demand for fertilizer to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has significantly disrupted international supply chains.
The conflict, which escalated since late February, has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world’s energy commodities are shipped. This closure has created substantial difficulties for many countries worldwide.
“This means fertilizer is affected because it originates from oil and gas. Urea-based fertilizer is highly indispensable,” he explained, connecting the dots between geopolitical tensions and the vital agricultural input shortage.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto has reported a surge in international demand for Indonesian rice and urea fertilizer, driven by global supply chain disruptions and export bans from other major producers. While several nations have requested discounted rates, the President remains committed to exporting these essential commodities to assist those in need, provided the pricing remains fair for Indonesian farmers. This international outreach positions Indonesia as a key contributor to global food security amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite these export initiatives, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia must prioritize domestic food sovereignty and internal supply needs above all else. He underscored that food availability is a matter of national survival, warning state agencies to ensure local requirements are met before fulfilling foreign requests. By focusing on self-reliance and strategic preparation, Indonesia aims to remain resilient against global crises while extending aid to international partners.