RI to Export ‘Beras Haji Nusantara’ for 2026 Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has confirmed plans to accelerate the export of premium Indonesian rice to Saudi Arabia to meet the dietary needs of more than 200,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in 2026.

The decision was finalized during a high-level coordination meeting led by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Bapanas Chief Secretary Sarwo Edhy stated that the agency will issue an official assignment to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) to carry out the export under the 2026 Hajj Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) scheme. “Following today’s meeting, the National Food Agency will prepare a letter of assignment to Bulog to export the Hajj rice,” Sarwo said in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

The export plan is intended to serve 205,420 pilgrims. Based on an estimated daily consumption of 170 grams of rice per person, the government has calculated a total requirement of 2,280 tons. Sarwo emphasized that the rice must meet premium-quality standards, with a 5 percent fraction.

Coordinating Minister Zulhas underscored that the initiative also reflects the taste preferences of Indonesian pilgrims. “The congregation prefers our rice, which is softer. We fully supported the plan and decided to export our rice to Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that the abundant Government Rice Reserves (CBP) make the export possible.

Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani described the move as a matter of national dignity, noting that Indonesian pilgrims have traditionally consumed rice imported from Vietnam or Thailand while in Saudi Arabia. “This is not about price, but about the dignity of the Indonesian nation,” Rizal said.

Bulog will supply “Beras Haji Nusantara” (Nusantara Hajj Rice), processed from freshly harvested grain. While the official requirement is 2,280 tons, Bulog is preparing 3,000 tons to anticipate additional demand. Shipments are scheduled to begin in the third week of February 2026.

The export plan coincides with record-breaking domestic absorption by Bulog. As of February 8, 2026, Bulog’s rice absorption reached 209,300 tons, marking a 440.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. ***