KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced on Saturday, December 27, 2025, a bold plan to end white sugar imports by 2026. By boosting national production from 2.68 million to 3 million tons through massive land optimization, the government aims to achieve complete domestic self-sufficiency across the archipelago to secure food sovereignty and farmer welfare.

"From the current production of around 2.68 million tons, it is targeted to increase to around 3 million tons next year (2026); thus, the national consumption needs for white sugar can be met from domestic production," said Minister Amran in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

To achieve this, the ministry targets the expansion and optimization of sugarcane land by up to 100,000 hectares as a strategic step to bolster national sugar output. 

"The government targets the expansion and optimization of sugarcane land up to 100,000 hectares nationally, with approximately 70,000 hectares or 70 percent located in East Java," he said.

This effort is being carried out through cross-ministerial synergy, local governments, state-owned enterprises, and support from law enforcement agencies to ensure accelerated realization in the field. He aims for Indonesia to stop importing white sugar starting next year through the massive acceleration of sugarcane development, with East Java serving as the key supporting region.

"If East Java succeeds, God willing, next year we will not import white sugar because more than 50 percent of the national sugarcane plantations are in East Java," he emphasized. 

Minister Amran also mentioned that he has held a Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Plantation Downstreaming with the East Java Provincial Administration  and relevant stakeholders in Surabaya.

"We will carry this out gradually starting now until January-March of next year," Minister Amran explained. 

In addition to land expansion, the Ministry of Agriculture is also preparing support for production facilities and infrastructure.

Specifically for the East Java region, the government will distribute agricultural machinery assistance, including at least 100 tractor units worth hundreds of billions of rupiah, to accelerate sugarcane productivity at the farmer level. He stressed that if these development targets are met, national sugar production is projected to increase significantly.

"If this is realized, we will not only stop white sugar imports but also strengthen food sovereignty and improve the welfare of sugarcane farmers," Minister Amran concluded. ***