JAKARTA: Indonesia has ordered the military to help farmers plant rice as severe drought has reduced output of the staple in Southeast Asia's most populous country, lifting prices, requiring increased imports and threatening food security.
With planting behind schedule due to dryness fuelled by the El Nino weather phenomenon, President Joko Widodo asked military supervisory officers in villages known as Babinsa to help take advantage of recent rains.
"Since rainfall has occurred on some provinces, we want to encourage farmers to start planting rice," Widodo, known as Jokowi, said on Wednesday during a visit to Pekalongan regency in central Java, according to video posted on the presidential YouTube channel.
"It has been delayed due to El Nino, but we want to immediately plant, plant, plant," he said, standing next to newly-planted rice fields.
Global rice supplies have tightened this year as the El Nino, which typically causes hotter and drier weather in Southeast Asia, reduced output in major producing and consuming countries. Prices in Asia's key export hubs have risen by as much as 45% to their highest in 15 years after India, the world's top supplier, restricted exports.
Drought has delayed Indonesia's planting for the 2024 harvest, after the country's output this year dropped to 30.9 million metric tons from 31.53 million tons a year ago.
Sugiono, a Babinsa officer attending the event, told Jokowi he had joined month-long training on rice planting in order to help the farmers, according to the video.
Earlier this month, Indonesia's agriculture minister and its armed forces chief signed a cooperation agreement that includes military personnel helping in farming and utilising idle military land for planting, with seedlings and machinery provided by the farm ministry.
"Some farmers have land but are short of manpower as the farmers are getting older while the younger generations prefer to work in factories, so the armed forces can help with tools and personnel," said military spokesperson Julius Widjojono.
While typically only one Babinsa is assigned to a village, Widjojono said the officer can map out manpower needs for planting and they would be deployed from nearby military units.
Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said earlier this month that the involvement of armed forces in the past had helped Indonesia to achieve food self-sufficiency, and renewed cooperation could help the country reduce rice imports.
Indonesia has emerged as one of the top rice importers after state procurement company Bulog was assigned to import 3.5 million tons this year.
This week, Bulog began buying rice through an international tender of up to 534,000 tons, expected to arrive by end-January, European traders said.
Indonesia's rice-planted area between September and November declined by 53.61% from a year ago, according to farm ministry data. The crops planted in the last quarter of the year usually produce the main harvests for the next year.
Still, Indonesia said it expects rice output to increase to 32 million tons in 2024, while the main harvest in March and April will contribute 10.07 million tons, a 14% increase from this year.
Reuters
Thu Dec 14 2023
Indonesia President Joko Widodo waves as he visits the paddy field area in Pekalongan, Central Java province, Indonesia, December 13, 2023. - Antara Foto/Harviyan Perdana Putra/via REUTERS
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.
Musk's dad says he arranged son's call with South African leader
Trump's post claiming South Africa is "confiscating land" and mistreating "certain classes" triggers sudden flurry of backdoor diplomacy.
Israel PM Netanyahu says peace with Saudi Arabia is achievable
I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it's going to happen, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump says UN has to 'get its act together,' UN pushes back
US President Donald Trump criticises the United Nations as "not being well run".
Police use latest tech to assist in renewed investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's case
Police says the technology could produce a clearer picture of the location where Teoh Beng Hock was found dead 15 years ago digitally.
Family of American killed on Malaysian Airlines flight can sue Russian bank, US court rules
The flight was shot down over DPR-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board.