RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian food sovereignty agenda is taking center stage as the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) pledges to safeguard the quality and safety of “Beras Haji Nusantara” rice exports to Saudi Arabia.

Officials say the initiative not only supports Indonesian pilgrims but also symbolizes the nation’s ability to secure its food supply while entering global markets.

“This program is more than a commercial activity; it represents the state’s presence and showcases Indonesia’s food sovereignty. It ensures the best service for our pilgrims, meeting their preferences and nutritional needs,” BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said in Jakarta on Monday, February 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia’s close ties with Saudi Arabia underpin the effort, including BPOM’s partnership with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). A memorandum of understanding signed in 2020 on food and drug quality oversight provides a strong foundation for facilitating market access for Hajj-related products, including rice.

BPOM emphasized its role in both pre- and post-market supervision, pledging strict monitoring of quality and safety standards to meet Saudi requirements and prevent rejection of shipments.

Compliance with technical and administrative rules - such as Arabic-language labeling and expiration dates in Gregorian and/or Hijri formats - will be closely enforced.

“Success in exporting Beras Haji Nusantara requires cross-sector synergy to build an integrated oversight system. This consistency is key to minimizing rejection risks and giving businesses certainty in export,” Taruna noted.

The initiative was discussed at a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, attended by 13 ministry and agency leaders. The plan aims to improve services for more than 200,000 Indonesian pilgrims by supplying rice sourced from domestic farmers, with Perum Bulog responsible for procurement.

Food Affairs Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan confirmed that the inaugural shipment will total 2,280 tons, departing for Saudi Arabia on February 28, 2026. “This first export goes to Saudi Arabia, and later we will expand to Malaysia and other destinations,” he said.

Officials hope the program will not only ensure smooth rice supply for pilgrims but also serve as a model for Indonesia’s broader strategy in exporting strategic food products to global markets. ***