Indonesia to import 1 thsd tons of US rice despite self-sufficiency policy

Indonesia has agreed to import at least 1,000 tons of rice from the United States under a bilateral trade agreement, despite President Prabowo Subianto’s strong stance against rice imports and repeated claims that the country has achieved food self-sufficiency. The administration had previously restricted standard-grade rice imports and tightened controls on unauthorized shipments.

The rice purchase is part of a broader reciprocal trade agreement requiring Indonesia to import approximately $4.5 billion worth of US agricultural products, including rice. Government officials emphasized that the volume of rice imports is minimal, accounting for only about 0.00003% of Indonesia’s total rice production, which reached 34.69 million tons in 2025.

Haryo Limanseto, spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, stated that easing import permits for US agricultural goods would help domestic industries secure raw materials more efficiently and maintain stable production flows, thereby supporting national food security. In addition to rice, the agreement also covers wheat, soybeans, corn, and fresh fruit.

In return, Indonesia secured zero tariffs on 172 Indonesian food products entering the US market, including tropical fruits, coffee, tea, spices, as well as strategic commodities such as crude palm oil and cocoa. The deal is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s export position and expand its access to the US market.

Tags: Indonesia, rice, USA