President Prabowo Subianto has revealed that a growing number of nations are looking to Indonesia to secure their rice supplies. This surge in international interest comes amid a global food crisis and escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“There are those who want to buy our rice, but they are asking for significant discounts,” Prabowo stated during the inauguration of 1,061 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (16/5). The event was broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
The President explained that this demand spiked after major producers like India and Bangladesh halted or restricted the export of essential commodities, including rice, corn, and wheat. This shift in the global market has led various countries to turn to Indonesia as an alternative source of supply.
In response, President Prabowo has issued directives to facilitate rice exports to help other nations in need. However, he emphasized that these transactions must be balanced with fair economic practices.
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“The price must be fair; we cannot let our farmers become the victims. The price should allow for a modest profit—it shouldn’t be too cheap, but we shouldn’t engage in price-gouging either,” he remarked.
While expressing a willingness to assist the international community, Prabowo issued a firm warning to agencies such as Bulog to prioritize domestic needs first. He noted that the current global crisis could be prolonged, making domestic resilience a top priority.
“I have always said that food is a matter of life and death for a nation,” Prabowo added. For the President, food security is not merely a commercial commodity but a fundamental issue of national survival. He firmly rejected the ideology that domestic needs are more efficiently met through imports.
“National survival is not just about finding the cheapest option; it is about whether the supply exists or not. History has proven that we are safer when we are self-sufficient in food. Regardless of the crises happening outside our borders, we remain relatively secure and better prepared to face challenges,” he said.
International Demand for Fertilizer
Beyond food staples, President Prabowo noted that several countries have also requested urea fertilizer imports from Indonesia. This information was reported by Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.
“We are not being euphoric or arrogant, but we are now in a position where we can offer help. Australia has asked for assistance, as have the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. I have ordered that we help them all,” Prabowo stated during the inauguration of the Ibu Marsinah Museum and Shelter in Nganjuk, East Java.
Prabowo mentioned that Indonesia has already supplied 500,000 tons of urea fertilizer to Australia. According to him, the global scramble for fertilizer is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The conflict, which intensified in late February, has disrupted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor for 20% of the world’s energy commodities. This disruption has created severe challenges for many nations worldwide.
“This means fertilizer production is affected because it is derived from oil and gas. Urea fertilizer is now in high demand,” he concluded.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto revealed that multiple countries are seeking to import rice and urea fertilizer from Indonesia amidst a global food crisis and trade disruptions. While many of these nations have requested significant discounts, the President emphasized that exports must be conducted at fair prices to protect the livelihoods of Indonesian farmers. He underscored that Indonesia is willing to assist globally, provided these transactions do not jeopardize domestic economic interests.
Despite the international demand, President Prabowo has directed agencies like Bulog to prioritize domestic food security above all else. He maintains that national survival depends on self-sufficiency rather than reliance on imports, especially during prolonged global conflicts. Consequently, the government remains committed to supporting other nations with surplus supplies while ensuring that Indonesia’s internal needs are fully met.
