Jakarta, Dec. 16 -- Indonesia's policy of banning rice imports has contributed to a decline in global rice prices, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said on Tuesday.

"When I was serving as trade minister, global rice prices stood at US$650 per ton. After we enforced the import ban, prices fell to below US$400. Our policy has had global impacts," Hasan said.

He said Indonesia was previously among the world's largest rice importers before shifting policy by boosting domestic production under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Hasan noted that Indonesia imported 4.5 million tons of rice last year, while in 2025 the country recorded a surplus of 4.7 million tons. State-run logistics firm Bulog is currently hol...