Jakarta, Aug. 7 -- Indonesia is pursuing its ambitious dream of sugar self-sufficiency, aiming for household sugar self-sufficiency by 2028 and industrial sugar self-sufficiency by 2030.

This ambitious target goes beyond just meeting domestic demand; it also aims to reduce reliance on imports, which have burdened the trade balance.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman expressed optimism that Indonesia will achieve the self-sufficiency target within two to three years.

In the last few years, the national demand for sugar has steadily increased. Based on data from the Ministry of Agriculture, sugar needs in 2025 are projected to reach 9.1 million tons, comprising 3.4 million tons for households and 5.7 million tons for industrial use...