The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has announced a significant potential decrease in rice production in 2023. This decline is attributed to reduced paddy field cultivation and dry milling production (GKG) in Indonesia, caused by the prolonged effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

Acting Head of BPS, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, revealed that national rice production is projected to reach approximately 30.90 million tons in 2023. This represents a decline of 650 thousand tons or around 2.05% compared to the same period last year.

Amalia explained, "Rice production in 2023 is estimated to reach 30.90 million tons, experiencing a decrease of about 0.65 million tons or 2.05% compared to the previous year." She made this statement during a press conference on Monday, October 16, 2023.

For the period from January to September 2023, national rice production reached about 26.11 million tons, experiencing a decrease of 0.22%. Meanwhile, for the remaining part of the year, from October to December 2023, rice production is estimated to be around 4.78 million tons.

"If we consider the potential rice production throughout October to December 2023, it is estimated to be only 4.78 million tons. This marks a decrease of 0.59 million tons compared to the same period last year, or a decrease of approximately 10.92%," she added.

Based on regions, the decrease in rice production throughout 2023 is expected to occur in the Java region, which is estimated to decrease by approximately 0.41 million tons, Sulawesi by about 0.24 million tons, Kalimantan by about 0.04 million tons, and Sumatra by about 0.01 million tons. Meanwhile, Bali and Nusa Tenggara, as well as Maluku and Papua, are expected to experience an increase in rice production, each by 0.05 million tons and 0.15 thousand tons, respectively.

Amalia mentioned that the potential deficit in rice production is expected to widen further until the end of 2023. According to BPS's estimation, the largest deficit in rice production will occur in December 2023, amounting to approximately minus 1.45 million tons.

"With consideration of only the difference between domestic production and consumption estimates, the year-end rice production is expected to have a surplus of around 0.28 million tons throughout 2023," she stated.