Draft Bill on Food Limits Rice and Soybean Imports

The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (“DPR RI”) is currently preparing the Revision (“Food Draft Bill”) of Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food, as amended by Regulation of the Government in Lieu of Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation (collectively referred to as “Law 18/2012”). This regulation places limitations on the importation of several food commodities.

“We will halt imports of commodities that, from an ecological standpoint, can be boosted domestically,” said Rokhmin Dahuri, a Member of Commission IV of the DPR RI, to Hukumonline.

He cited rice and soybeans as commodities that no longer need to be imported. This will be firmly regulated in the Food Draft Bill, ensuring that no vague or broad provisions remain.

The Food Draft Bill is targeted for completion in early 2026. Commission IV of the DPR RI will not seek input from business actors regarding the import restrictions. “Because up to now, the root of the problem has actually come from there,” Rokhmin said.