It was not known how much forest had already been replaced by rice paddies before the project was halted.
According to the National Food Agency, a government body that seeks to advance food security, Indonesia produced 34.71 million tonnes of rice in 2025 – exceeding annual demand of 31.19 million tonnes.
Haze from wildfires consuming forests and peatlands in Indonesia has blanketed neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore for weeks.
Hot, dry conditions associated with the El Nino weather phenomenon have fuelled the fires, which are also linked to land clearing.
The Mighty Earth advocacy group welcomed Hashim’s announcement.
„This decision renews Indonesia’s leadership in showing how to expand agriculture while protecting nature,“ the NGO’s founder, Glenn Hurowitz, said in a statement.
„This decision creates an opportunity for large-scale investments in achieving President Prabowo’s goal of restoring 12 million hectares of forest, peat, and other ecosystems,“ he added.