Rice is the most important agricultural products in Indonesia, with over 200 million people relying on it as a staple food. The rice production has been fully supported by improved infrastructure, supply of seeds, fertilizers, research and development...
Rice is the most important agricultural products in Indonesia, with over 200 million people relying on it as a staple food. The rice production has been fully supported by improved infrastructure, supply of seeds, fertilizers, research and development as well as government regulations in pricing. Its vulnerability to climate change requires adaptation strategies for irrigation, biotechnology, and cultivar selection. Recent forms of agricultural policy in Indonesia include the deployment and implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, with the aim to reduce the use of chemicals. The agricultural irrigation system that has existed since ancient times and is still relevant today is the Subak irrigation system; this system is able to maintain the existence of agricultural water and environmental sustainability. Rice production in Indonesia continues to increase from year to year and it reached 81.38 million tons in 2017, including glutinous rice. With the increase in population, the need for rice also increases both for food consumption and as raw materials for the food and non-food industries, as well as other forms of consumption. With the food self-sufficiency program, rice production will continue to be improved. Glutinous rice, both black and white, is widely used as a raw material for the production of alcoholic beverages (rice wine). Traditional alcoholic beverages are ancient art products that are found naturally. They become parts of human culture, tradition, and civilization as an integral part of many ceremonies, symbolism in rituals, and celebrations. Some of the traditional rice wine products in Indonesia such as brem, arak, and tuak were originally made for ceremonial/ritual and celebrations purposes but developed into a favorite drink and even have become a promising commercial product. Therefore, knowledge of fermentation technology, selection of raw materials, and a starter culture will provide better product quality. This can reduce losses and increase sales, so it is becoming a good source of revenue for the household, industry, state, and national levels. Furthermore, improvements in product performance, promotion, and marketing will have a positive impact on the development of alcoholic beverages with rice as the raw material in the future.