Jakarta, Nov. 24 -- The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating national rice self-sufficiency and stopping any import activities that violate state policy.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman made the statement on Monday after authorities uncovered 250 tons of illegal rice that entered Sabang, Aceh.

"President Prabowo (Subianto) has stated that imports are prohibited because we have ample stocks," Sulaiman said, stressing that the government will prevent any attempt to bring in rice, particularly through unlawful channels.

He maintained that Indonesia has no reason to import rice, citing strong national stocks and a projected 2025 production of 34.77 million tons based on Statistics Indonesia data.

He...