Indonesia Initiates First Export of Premium Rice to Saudi Arabia

RR.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government opened a new chapter by exporting 2,280 tons of premium rice to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman carried out the release directly at the State Logistics Agency (BULOG) warehouse in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

This step shows that Indonesia is becoming a rice exporter with abundant national stocks. Minister Amran emphasized that this export marks a new milestone for the national rice sector.

"This is the first export to Saudi Arabia. Our stock today is 3.7 million tons, and in March, that was the largest stock in our history. Now, we are exporting," said Minister Amran, as quoted by the ministry's official website.

This initial export, worth IDR 38 billion, will meet the consumption needs of approximately 215,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. However, the market potential is much broader. In addition to the Hajj pilgrims, there is demand from Umrah pilgrims and from Indonesian citizens residing in Saudi Arabia, an estimated two million people per year.

Demand for rice among Indonesian Hajj pilgrims alone is projected to be between 20,000 and 50,000 tons per year. This shipment of 2,280 tons provides an entry point for larger, long-term contracts.

The President Director of Perum BULOG, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, confirmed that the rice being shipped is Premium Government Rice Reserves (CBP) with high quality standards.

"This Hajj rice is the highest quality premium rice, with a 5 percent grain size and a moisture content below 14 percent. Currently, premium rice in Indonesia has a 15 percent grain size; this shipment has a 5 percent grain size," said Ahmad.

Production takes place in four processing facilities, including BULOG units in Karawang and Subang, as well as a private facility in Serang. Shipments are scheduled to begin on March 7, 2026, with support from international and domestic shipping companies, including Hyundai and other local carriers.

This export follows the Limited Coordination Meeting chaired by the Coordinating Ministry for Food on February 23, 2026. At that meeting, BULOG was tasked with managing the government food reserves to stabilize domestic prices and support strategic national needs abroad, including the Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, the government is exploring export opportunities with Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. If successful, this step could transform the national rice sector from a net importer to an active player in the regional rice trade. ***