..the government’s optimism about expanding export markets is supported by Indonesia’s record-high national rice reserves.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that Indonesia's abundant rice stocks have strengthened national food security, positioning the country to expand its export markets and assist other nations.
"Indonesia has entered a new chapter in national food security, marked by robust rice stocks, rising production, and the capability to both export rice and carry out international humanitarian missions," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He made the statement following a working meeting on paddy absorption with Commission IV of the House of Representatives.
Sudaryono noted that Indonesia is no longer solely focused on meeting domestic demand. The country is now expanding its role as a food supplier for its partners, while continuously prioritizing the adequacy of national stocks.
"We have shipped 10,000 tons of rice to Palestine and around 2,000 tons to Saudi Arabia. Moving forward, we hope that it won't just be Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims consuming Indonesian rice, but also pilgrims from other countries," he said.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that all export policies are being implemented carefully and in a measured manner to ensure domestic supply remains secure.
Previously, Indonesia recorded its first export of 2,280 tons of premium-quality rice, valued at Rp38 billion (approximately US$2.1 million), to Saudi Arabia to meet the needs of around 215,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.
Looking ahead, the Saudi Arabian market is considered highly promising, particularly for serving Umrah pilgrims and Indonesian expatriates living there, whose numbers reach approximately 2 million people annually.
According to Sudaryono, the government’s optimism about expanding export markets is supported by Indonesia’s record-high national rice reserves.
As of May 18, government rice reserves stood at around 5.37 million tons.
“We predict that year-end stocks in December 2026 will remain around 5 million tons, possibly slightly above or below that figure. This is because production is ongoing while demand remains stable,” he said.
With domestic demand averaging around 2.5 to 2.6 million tons per month, Indonesia is considered to have ample room to expand export markets without disrupting domestic supply stability.
Sudaryono also revealed that the government is currently exploring partnerships with several countries that could become new export destinations.
He stressed that this move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for Indonesia to assist partner countries facing food crises caused by war, global trade disruptions, or other international challenges.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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