Directorate General of Customs Djaka Budhi Utama confirmed that 250 tons of illegal imported rice entering the Sabang free trade zone has been sealed to prevent misuse. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman quickly coordinated with various parties after receiving the report on November 25, 2025. The action supports the government's policy rejecting rice imports amid national production surplus.
On November 25, 2025, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman received a report around 2 a.m. about 250 tons of illegal imported rice entering Sabang Port without central government approval. He immediately contacted Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, Aceh Police Chief, Polri's Criminal Investigation Chief, Iskandar Muda Regional Command, and the Trade Minister to ensure a swift response. "As soon as the report came in, I directly called the Aceh Governor to make sure everything moved quickly. There can be no tolerance for illegal actions like this. If there's no import permit, period," Amran said in Jakarta.
Directorate General of Customs Chief Djaka Budhi Utama affirmed that the rice entered via the Sabang Free Trade Zone and Port Authority, which has special jurisdiction. However, Customs is responsible for preventing leakage to the public without approval. "That's why when the goods enter, they are immediately sealed. No customs officials exploited it; we've handled it," Djaka stated firmly. He added, "We just guard the end point to prevent it from leaking to the public. So if the center doesn't permit it, we seal it. Then the police act."
This action aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive that Indonesia does not need rice imports due to secure national stocks. BPS data records rice production at 34.7 million tons, the highest in history. Bulog's stock is 3.8 million tons, a record high. In Aceh, surplus reaches 871,400 tons, while Sabang has a 970-ton surplus with availability of 5,911 tons exceeding the 4,940-ton need. "The state must be firm. This concerns national honor, compliance with the President's instructions, and protection of our 160 million farmers," Amran added. The government is committed to maintaining national food stability without gaps for illegal imports.