Jakarta (ANTARA) – The government is targeting an expansion of Indonesia’s rice market through retail chains in Saudi Arabia following the success of its first export of Hajj rice, with potential demand coming from modern retail networks and the Indonesian Umrah pilgrim segment.

President Director of state-owned logistics firm Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, stated that market exploration in Saudi Arabia indicates strong interest in Indonesian rice, not only for Hajj purposes but also for commercial and Umrah markets.

“Indonesian rice has enormous market opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Besides fulfilling Hajj needs, we will continue with Umrah rice and retail,” he said on Monday.

He noted that two Saudi Arabian modern retail chains, BinDawood and Lulu, have expressed interest in purchasing Indonesian rice for the local retail market.

According to Ramdhani, this potential is supported by the large number of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims estimated at nearly two million annually as well as the sizable Indonesian community residing in Saudi Arabia.

Bulog has also identified importers who will handle the distribution of Indonesian rice in Saudi Arabia, from ports of entry to Hajj catering services and retail networks, he added.

He emphasized that the development of the retail and Umrah markets will be carried out in stages following the initial Hajj rice export, while maintaining supply continuity and quality standards.

Ramdhani said the government views Hajj rice exports as a strategic entry point to expand Indonesia’s rice presence in the Middle Eastern market and to strengthen its position as a country capable of contributing to global food supply.

“We are proceeding in stages. Most importantly, the Hajj rice export must run smoothly first, then we will prepare plans for the Umrah and retail markets,” he stated.

Previously, Bulog was scheduled to export 2,280 tons of Indonesian Hajj rice to Saudi Arabia, valued at around Rp150 billion (US$8.6 million), in two shipments on February 28 and March 4. The shipment marks Indonesia’s first national rice export specifically aimed at fulfilling the needs of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

Translator: Aria Ananda, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026

Published Date: February 23, 2026