The Indonesian government is targeting an increase in national sugar production to 3 million tons by 2026 as part of its push to achieve self-sufficiency, cut imports, and bolster food security, reported Antara Indonesian News agency.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said on Saturday that current domestic sugar output stands at approximately 2.68 million tons. The new target is aimed at fully meeting domestic demand for white sugar.
To reach this goal, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to expand and optimize sugarcane plantations across 100,000 hectares nationwide, with around 70,000 hectares located in East Java.
Sulaiman said the initiative requires coordination across multiple sectors, involving ministries, regional administrations, state-owned enterprises, and law enforcement agencies to ensure swift implementation.
“If East Java is successful, we can stop importing white sugar next year, as more than 50 percent of Indonesia’s sugarcane plantations are located there,” he said.
He added that the government has already held coordination meetings with the East Java provincial government, state-owned plantation companies, and other relevant institutions.
The sugarcane development program will be rolled out in phases from now through January to March next year. Alongside land expansion, the ministry is preparing production support measures, including infrastructure development and the provision of farming equipment.
In East Java, the government plans to distribute at least 100 tractors and other agricultural machinery to help raise productivity at the farm level.
Sulaiman said meeting the sugarcane expansion target would significantly lift national sugar output. “If successful, Indonesia will not only end white sugar imports but also strengthen food sovereignty and improve farmers’ welfare,” he said.
