Indonesia has launched an investigation into the illegal rice import of roughly 250 tons from Thailand into Sabang, Aceh, with authorities stressing that the shipment violates the country’s food import regulations under President Prabowo Subianto.
“We have sealed (the warehouse), and we are requesting a full investigation into who the perpetrators are,” Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said on Sunday.
Amran cautioned that government officials involved in violations would face immediate repercussions, including dismissal for authorizing or allowing rice imports contrary to presidential directives, which he emphasized as critically important.
“The President has already stated that imports are not allowed because our stock is abundant,” he added.
Amran stated that the ministry is working alongside the Trade Ministry, the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), and the military to track those responsible and curb additional unauthorized imports. He added that the government is also investigating possible illegal rice shipments in other areas, such as Batam.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reports that domestic rice production is expected to hit 34.7 million tons this year, marking the highest output since 2019.
Rice reserves held in Bulog warehouses have reached 3.8 million tons, another record high. According to the 2025 Rice Balance Projection from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), total reserves are expected to rise to 12.89 million tons by early next year.
Meanwhile, Aceh’s Provincial Food Balance Projection indicates a rice surplus of 871,400 tons, with 1.53 million tons in stock and a consumption demand of 667,700 tons.
For Sabang, the projection shows a surplus of 970 tons, with 5,911 tons of rice available to cover a demand of 4,940 tons.
AUTOMOTIVE WORLD | KOTRA Boosts Korean Auto Parts Entry Into Aisin’s EV Supply Chain
