Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s National Food Agency (Bapanas) announced a national surplus in corn production, marking a significant step toward the country’s long-term goal of agricultural self-sufficiency.
“The path to corn self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly achievable. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, Indonesia is not only aiming for self-reliance in corn but also aspires to become a global food hub,” said Bapanas Head Arief Prasetyo Adi on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), as reported by Antara.
The surplus is shown in the rising production of dried shelled corn with 14% moisture content (JPK KA 14%). From January to July 2025, output has consistently increased, surpassing national consumption needs.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), JPK KA 14% production is projected to reach 9.45 million tons during this period, an 11.08% rise from the same period in 2024.
After accounting for potential post-harvest losses estimated at 4.62%, the net production stands at 9.01 million tons.
Bapanas reported a significant surplus when comparing national corn production to consumption between January and July. Based on the June 2, 2025 Corn Balance Projection, domestic consumption for the same period is expected to be 8.63 million tons, leaving a surplus of approximately 380,000 tons.
This excess output, officials say, can be used to bolster government food reserves or be allocated for export.
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Earlier this month, President Prabowo flagged off Indonesia’s first official corn export shipment from Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, to Kuching, Malaysia.
The initial shipment of 1,200 tons is part of a broader annual demand from Malaysia totaling 240,000 tons, with an initial request of 20,000 tons per month, according to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.
As production rises, Arief also stressed the importance of maintaining stable corn prices for farmers. He noted that President Prabowo has directed agencies to ensure that the farmers’ terms of trade remain favorable.
To that end, Bapanas is playing a key role in stabilizing the market by facilitating the distribution of farmer-produced corn.
(Raidi/Agung)
