Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar said here on Friday that as of June 2025, the value of food exports to Saudi Arabia stood at US$1.7 billion. According to him, this export value is driven by demand from around 2 million Indonesians living in the Middle Eastern country.
Every hajj season, about 4 million people visit Saudi Arabia, not including those coming for umrah.
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He noted that with twice that number, the export value could rise to US$3.4 billion. If permits and certifications are streamlined, the value could climb to US$7 billion, he pointed out.
Ikrar confirmed that currently there are 63 fish processing units which have been approved to export the products, including the additional six in this year, owing to collaborative efforts from everyone.
His agency has therefore held discussions with Saudi Arabia and relevant stakeholders, including the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Trade Ministry, and Religious Affairs Ministry, to expand fish exports.
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Ikrar confirmed that there are currently 63 fish processing units approved to export products, including the additional six this year, thanks to collaborative efforts from all parties. There are several motives driving this expansion, he said, the first being to improve people's welfare.
"No country in this world ignores its economy, because eventually it will impact people's welfare," he said.
Saudi Arabia is a country with a large economy and strategic importance, as it is home to the two holy cities of Islam, Makkah and Madinah, he elaborated. Moreover, the effort is intended to maintain good bilateral relations.
He stressed the agency's commitment not only to ensuring food safety and issuing distribution certifications but also to contributing to national economic development.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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