Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's rice reserves reached 4.6 million tons as of April 7, sufficient to withstand global pressures and a potential El Niño-induced drought, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said.He said Indonesia's government rice reserves (CBP) reached 4.6 million tons as of April 7, ensuring sufficient supply amid global uncertainty.During a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday, Amran said the figure rose from 4.5 million tons and marked the highest level in the country's history.”Rice reserves as of this morning reached 4.6 million tons, up from 4.5 million tons. This is the highest level in history,” he said.He added that current stock levels are sufficient to meet national demand for the next 10 to 11 months.Amran also noted that the potential El Niño, expected to last for six months, can be anticipated through existing stock readiness and government mitigation measures.He stressed that food is not only a basic need but also a strategic issue linked to national resilience.Therefore, he said, the government has prioritized the food sector to maintain supply stability amid global challenges.At the global level, he noted that the food crisis is worsening, citing a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that around 724 million people worldwide face hunger.He added that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could worsen the situation, putting around 40 million people at risk of severe hunger.”Food is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset that plays a vital role in global economic and geopolitical stability,” Amran said.