Oleh – Diffa Sephiawardhani, Editor – Sri Wahyuni

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is set to ship rice to Saudi Arabia for the first time to supply its own Hajj pilgrims, a move officials say demonstrates the country’s growing capacity to serve overseas demand while safeguarding domestic food security.

State logistics agency Perum Bulog will export 2,280 tons of rice to Saudi Arabia in two waves starting on Saturday, February 28, 2026, marking the first national rice export dedicated to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

The first shipment is scheduled for February 28 and the second on March 4, following a limited inter-ministerial coordination meeting on Monday, February 23, at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs office in Jakarta.

“Total approved Hajj rice support amounts to 2,280 tons,” Perum Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said after the meeting. as quoted by Antara.

The export is valued at around IDR 150 billion, with shipments departing from Tanjung Priok Port to Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia. “From Bulog’s side, the shipment will only go as far as Jeddah Port. Distribution to Hajj kitchens in Saudi Arabia will be the responsibility of the importer,” Ahmad said.

He added that the shipments are divided into two waves to ensure logistical security and maintain reserves in case of disruptions during the voyage, which is estimated to take between five and six weeks.

According to Ahmad, the rice being exported is premium grade, meeting the specifications requested by Saudi partners, including a maximum of 5 percent broken grains and moisture content below 14 percent.

“This is premium rice for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. In previous years, our pilgrims consumed rice imported from other countries, and this year we are proving that Indonesia is capable of supplying it ourselves,” he continued.

Bulog emphasized that the inaugural Hajj rice export will not disrupt domestic supply, as it is based on prior stock planning and reserves. The initiative is supported by coordination among the Trade Ministry, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the National Food Agency, and the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs.

Beyond the Hajj program, the government is targeting expansion into the Umrah and retail markets in Saudi Arabia. “The market opportunity for Indonesian rice in Saudi Arabia is very large. After Hajj rice, we will continue with Umrah and retail markets,” Ahmad explained.

“Modern retail chains that have confirmed interest include Bin Dawood and Lulu. These are major retailers in Saudi Arabia,” he added, stressing that market expansion would proceed gradually.

“We will do this step by step. The priority is to ensure the Hajj rice export runs smoothly first, and then we will develop the Umrah and retail markets,” he concluded.

Published Date: February 23, 2026