Indonesia Halts Forest Clearing for Rice Expansion, Cites Self-Sufficiency

Indonesia halts forest destruction for rice paddies, citing self-sufficiency. New focus on intensification measures.

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Jakarta, Indonesia — Indonesia has announced it will stop clearing forests for rice production, claiming the nation has achieved self-sufficiency in the staple crop.

The decision comes after a government initiative launched in 2024 aimed to eliminate rice imports within five years by converting three million hectares of land into paddy fields. However, officials now say there is no longer a need for such expansion.

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Climate envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo, brother of President Prabowo Subianto, stated that the government’s strategic rice reserves have reached 5.3 million tonnes, signaling that domestic production can meet national demand. The move aligns with Indonesia’s goal of becoming a net carbon sink by 2030, though environmental groups warn that ongoing deforestation and wildfires could still threaten this objective.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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