State-owned food enterprise ID Food is targeting self-sufficiency in several strategic commodities, including sugar and salt, starting in 2026 as part of the government’s national food sovereignty program.

“We will pursue sugar self-sufficiency through the expansion of 500 hectares of sugarcane plantations and the construction of a new sugar mill with a capacity of 6,000 TCD (Ton Cane per Day),” ID Food President Director Nina Sulistyowati said during a food security forum in Jakarta on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Nina revealed that Indonesia currently still imports around 200,000 tons of sugar annually for consumption needs. Meanwhile, production contributions from the two relevant state-owned enterprises, ID Food and PTPN, have not yet reached 50 percent of national demand. To address this, ID Food plans to optimize unproductive land, in cooperation with Perhutani, for sugarcane cultivation.

In addition to sugar, ID Food also aims for salt self-sufficiency by 2027 − earlier than the initial 2028 target, following directives from President Prabowo Subianto. Currently, Indonesia still imports around 3 million tons of salt each year.

“We will modernize salt processing plants using advanced technologies such as SWRO and MVR, and develop new production areas like East Nusa Tenggara, which has 2.6 million square meters of potential salt land,” Nina cited.

ID Food is also strengthening its role in the seed sector through its subsidiary, PT Sang Hyang Seri (SAS), which is now focused on producing high-quality seeds for national use. The company, previously known for underperformance, is now showing promising results following a major transformation.

Beyond production, ID Food is also committed to food distribution and price stabilization. Through its distribution subsidiaries, the company works to ensure that food reaches the public affordably.

“Price fluctuations have long troubled farmers and fishers. This is where state-owned enterprises step in to help stabilize the market, in collaboration with Bulog,” Nina said.

To support the government’s free nutritious meal program, Nina highlighted the urgent need to build the domestic livestock industry, particularly in the production of milk and meat − commodities that remain heavily reliant on imports. Currently, more than 80 percent of Indonesia’s milk supply comes from abroad.

“We cannot rely on imports forever. We must begin producing our own milk and meat,” she said.

Cross-sector collaboration is also being enhanced with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a resilient, sustainable, and equitable national food system.

Nina also mentioned plans to establish a “Red-and-White Cooperative” to strengthen the position of producers in the supply chain.

These various initiatives are part of ID Food’s broader strategy as a national food holding company, established in 2022 and overseeing 15 subsidiaries operating in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food distribution sectors.

“We want to ensure that all food needs of the people are met − not only in availability but also in affordability,” she said.