Prabowo at BRICS Summit: Indonesia Now a Food Exporter, Ready to Bolster Global Supply

President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, speaking at the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, emphasized the nation's transformation from a major importer to an exporter of various food commodities, including grains, rice, and corn. He asserted that this shift signifies Indonesia's enhanced capacity to strengthen global food security and contribute more significantly to the world market. According to Prabowo, this change demonstrates that limitations can be converted into capabilities through the strengthening of domestic production. He further assessed that BRICS countries possess complementary resources and production capabilities, which, if well-connected, can increase added value and bolster their positions within the global supply chain. "BRICS has become a supply chain. Our task is to connect and optimize it," he stated, suggesting that cooperation among member states can transform interconnected global challenges into opportunities for greater investment, stronger industries, and improved prospects for their populations. Prabowo also argued that national resilience cannot solely rely on economic growth; growth must be inclusive and supported by innovation. To achieve this, he concretely proposed joint industrialization and the optimization of existing resources and capabilities among BRICS member countries. Indonesia's transition from a significant food importer to an exporter reflects years of focused government efforts on improving domestic agricultural policies and adopting new technologies to boost productivity and achieve greater food self-sufficiency. This development underscores the critical role of food security in national stability. Prabowo's remarks at the BRICS forum signal Indonesia's ambition to expand its role as a food supplier on the international stage.