Indonesia's Rice Imports Continue Despite Domestic Production Efforts

Significant Import Volumes Persist

Indonesia imported 364,300 tons of rice worth $178.5 million between January and October 2025, according to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The import volume for October 2025 alone was 40,700 tons valued at $19.1 million, equivalent to approximately Rp 317.93 billion.

Main Sources of Rice Imports

The primary countries supplying rice to Indonesia were Myanmar, Thailand, and India. BPS Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics, Pudji Ismartini, confirmed that these nations were the main origins of Indonesia's rice imports during the January-October 2025 period.

Implications for Indonesia's Food Security

The continued reliance on rice imports raises questions about Indonesia's food security strategy. Despite efforts to enhance domestic rice production, the country remains dependent on foreign sources to meet its rice needs. The import data suggests that domestic production may not be keeping pace with demand, potentially due to factors such as weather conditions, agricultural productivity, and supply chain inefficiencies.

Economic Impact

The significant value of rice imports ($178.5 million in the first 10 months) also has implications for Indonesia's trade balance and foreign exchange reserves. The continued outflow of dollars for rice imports could impact the country's overall trade dynamics and currency management.