Bulog Targets Southeast Asian Markets for 1 Million Ton Rice Export in 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s 2026 rice export target of 1 million tons was officially unveiled by Bulog (National Logistic agency) President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani during a public talkshow in Jakarta on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking a new era of national food independence. 

With Southeast Asian countries identified as the primary recipients, this export drive is designed to leverage Indonesia's newly achieved commodity self-sufficiency to boost the country's economic influence in the region. This move marks a significant shift for the nation, as it transitions from securing domestic supplies to becoming a key rice provider for the Southeast Asian market throughout the 2026 fiscal year.

"So, where will that 1 million tons of rice be (exported)? The first targets are our neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, namely Malaysia, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea. God willing, it will be realized (the rice export)," Rizal said, as quoted by Antara. 

These export destination countries are considered to have geographic proximity as well as rice needs that can still be met through trade cooperation.

To realize this target, Bulog has coordinated with trade attachés in the destination countries and established communication with military attachés to facilitate the process of diplomacy and rice export distribution. 

"In fact, we are also being assisted by military attachés to communicate this so that it can be realized," he remarked.

In addition to the export targets for neighboring countries, Bulog has also received a new assignment to prepare rice supplies for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims departing during the 2026 Hajj season. This assignment aims to ensure that the consumption needs of pilgrims are met with local rice products, considering that most Indonesian pilgrims are accustomed to consuming rice as their daily staple food.

"Yesterday, we received orders to immediately coordinate with the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Trade to export 4,000 tons of rice for the needs of Hajj pilgrims in 2026," Rizal explained. ***