Indonesia’s rice reserve set to hit record 4 million tonnes

To support rice production, the government has ramped up fertiliser subsidies, distributed agricultural machinery, accelerated planting schedules, and introduced digital tools for farming.

Farmers harvest rice in North Luwu, South Sulawesi (Photo: Antara)
Farmers harvest rice in North Luwu, South Sulawesi (Photo: Antara)

Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia’s rice reserves are on track to surpass 4 million tonnes, setting an all-time high, after reaching a new record of 3.7 million tonnes in mid-May.

As of May 13, the current reserve level marks the highest since the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) was established in 1969, reflecting a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen food security.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman praised the achievement, calling it the result of coordinated efforts among farmers, central and local governments, and Bulog’s proactive role in absorbing farmers’ harvests across the country.

To support rice production, the government has ramped up fertiliser subsidies, distributed agricultural machinery, accelerated planting schedules, and introduced digital tools for farming.

Based on the USDA Rice Outlook April 2025 report, Indonesia's rice production during the 2024–2025 planting season is expected to reach 34.6 million tonnes, an increase of 600 thousand tonnes from the previous projection and up 4.8% year-on-year./.

VNA

See more

Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan. (Photo: thainews.prd.go.th)

Thailand engages USTR on five-point trade proposal

Thai Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan Thailand's formal proposal will be substantial enough for the US to consider further detailed negotiations. He hoped for a tariff rate not exceeding 10% and suggested that the US might extend the negotiation period if an agreement is not reached by the July 8 deadline.

(Photo: Malay Mail/Firdaus Latif)

Malaysia sues Telegram over harmful content

This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.

Elena Nikulina, an expert in Vietnam studies from the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies (CVAS) under the Russian Academy of Sciences. (Photo: VNA)

Verification remains core value of mainstream journalism: Russian expert

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.

A man works at a rice mill in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand, on April 18, 2025. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand records strongest export growth since early 2022

The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.

Workers on duty at the Pleiku 2's 500kV substation in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN reaffirms commitment to advancing green energy agenda

Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.

Malaysia, Algeria sign deal to develop mining industry

Malaysia, Algeria sign deal to develop mining industry

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.