Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has said that Indonesia’s ban on rice imports has not only affected the domestic market but has also led to a clear decline in global rice prices. He explained that when he previously served as trade minister, international rice prices had climbed to around USD 650 per tonne. However, after the import restrictions were implemented, prices fell to below USD 400 per tonne. According to the minister, Indonesia was once counted among the world’s largest rice importers, but under President Prabowo Subianto’s government, policy has shifted toward prioritizing domestic production. Data show that Indonesia imported around 4.5 million tonnes of rice last year, while in 2025 the country recorded a surplus of approximately 4.7 million tonnes. The state logistics agency, Bulog, currently holds about 3.7 million tonnes of rice in stock, indicating a strong supply position. Ministry data also reveal that national rice production has increased to 34.77 million tonnes this year, up 13.54 percent compared to last year. Hasan attributed this growth mainly to policy reforms and the simplification of regulations, which have directly boosted production capacity. He expressed confidence that, based on current trends, Indonesia could achieve full self-sufficiency in rice by early 2026 a development that would be significant not only for the country but also for the global rice market.