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jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has bestowed the Bintang Jasa Utama (Main service Star) upon Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, recognizing his pivotal role in achieving rice self-sufficiency last year. It’s a big honour, but is Indonesia really standing on its own two feet when it comes to food, or is this a case of carefully managed messaging?
Rice Self-Sufficiency: Honor and Scrutiny
The award to the Minister of Agriculture sparks debate over what “self-sufficiency” truly means for Indonesia’s food security.
- President Prabowo Subianto presented the Main Service Star to Amran Sulaiman on December 7, 2026, in Karawang, West Java.
- the honor recognizes Sulaiman’s contributions to Indonesia’s claimed achievement of rice self-sufficiency.
- Experts are questioning the definition of “self-sufficiency” and whether the government’s claims are fully supported by data.
- From 2018 to 2024, rice imports averaged only 3.85 percent of total consumption.
The ceremony took place during a Harvest Festival and Declaration of Food Self-Sufficiency in Karawang, West Java, on Wednesday, December 7, 2026. Presidential Decree Number 1/TK of 2026 and Number 2/TK of 2026 served as the official basis for the honor. Major General Wahyu Yudhayana, the President’s Military Secretary, read a statement declaring the award was “for his great service in a certain field or specific event that is beneficial for the safety, welfare, and greatness of the nation and state.”
“Brother Andi amran Sulaiman, I give the Main Service Star to,” Prabowo stated during the event. “With all of you, all ranks, you have secured the future of the Indonesian nation.” He affirmed his commitment to continuing efforts toward self-sufficiency, not just in rice, but across the food sector.
