February 26, 2026 | 08:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Agriculture Zulkifli Hasan dismissed claims of a trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States that would require Jakarta to import agricultural commodities from Washington.
He stated that Indonesia is currently not importing rice or chicken meat, noting that the nation's rice stock maintained a surplus of 1.2 million tons in 2025. Moreover, Indonesia is scheduled to export 2,280 tons of rice to Saudi Arabia the day after tomorrow. "So, for now, we have a surplus," Zulhas remarked at the Parliament Complex on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
He claimed that the production of agricultural commodities in Indonesia is also set to increase next year. This projection stems from the government's plan to implement a massive protein self-sufficiency project throughout 2026.
To support this initiative, he mentioned that the Ministry of Trade has announced plans to establish feed factories and produce day-old chicks (DoC) for distribution across Indonesia.
"So, it is not just a temporary surplus; hopefully, last year and the following years will see an increase," said the Chairperson of the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Meanwhile, Indonesia's obligation to import agricultural products from the United States, totaling US$4.5 billion, as part of a bilateral trade agreement, is documented in the Agreement of Reciprocal Trade (ART).
This obligation is specified in the fourth annex of the ART document, titled "Purchase Commitment," under the agricultural products category. In the first point, Indonesia is obliged to support and facilitate commercial agreements to import agricultural commodities such as cotton, flour, rice, and corn.
In the second point, the United States requires Indonesia to increase imports of its agricultural products. Furthermore, the third point states that the United States will not consider Indonesia in violation of the commitment if the annual import volume mentioned in the second point fails to meet the specified amount.
Alfitria Nefi Pratiwi contributed to the report
Read: YLBHI: Prabowo Overreaches Constitution by Signing Trump Trade Pact
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Wrong Strategy to Stabilize Food Prices
10 jam lalu
The government is preparing to leverage SOEs as a tool for stabilizing food prices. The approach could give rise to a long list of new problems.
Indonesian Defense Ministry Denies Backing 105,000 Pickup Truck Imports from India
14 jam lalu
The Defense Ministry has denied allegations of backing import of 105,000 pickup trucks from India for operational needs of Red and White cooperative.
Indonesian Union Says 105,000 Vehicle Imports from India Risk Layoffs
2 hari lalu
KSPI said the vehicle imports would reduce output at domestic factories and could lead to contract terminations and job losses.
Indonesian Lawmaker Slams Indian Vehicles Import for Village Cooperatives
2 hari lalu
Agrinas Pangan Nusantara was appointed to expedite the operational activities of Village Cooperative. It has started the imports of trucks from India.
Agrinas CEO Responds to Call to Delay Indian Pickup Truck Imports
2 hari lalu
Agrinas CEO responds to the Indonesian government's request to postpone the planned import of 105,000 pickup trucks from India.
Indonesia Says 0% Tariffs on US Goods Are Necessary to Support MSMEs
3 hari lalu
Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for the Economy stated that most U.S. goods that receive a 0 percent tariff are industrial raw materials.
Indonesia Clarifies Rules on Second-Hand Clothing Imports from US
4 hari lalu
The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs denies that the Indonesian government has allowed the import of used clothes from the United States.
Indonesia Must Import US Apples and Rice in New Trade Pact
5 hari lalu
The new Indonesia-US trade agreement mandates US$4.5 billion in agricultural imports. Explore the specific volume requirements for US commodities.
Indonesia to Import US$15 Billion in Oil and Gas from US Annually
6 hari lalu
Under the ART, Indonesia will import US$3.5 billion in LPG, US$4.5 billion in crude oil, and US$7 billion in processed gasoline.
Buying Up Cargo All the Way to China
8 hari lalu
Blueray Cargo charges Rp250 million to clear one container of counterfeit goods. A specialist in imports from China.
