Academics: 2,280-ton rice export to Saudi Arabia underscores sustainability of self-sufficiency

Production is exceptionally strong. This year’s self-sufficiency is the strongest in history. Indonesian institutions have welcomed the export of 2,280 tonnes of rice to Saudi Arabia as a positive signal for the sustainability of the nation’s food self-sufficiency and its standing in international rice trade. The achievement is seen as concrete evidence that national rice production has attained sustainable self-sufficiency, according to Prof. Hermanto Siregar, rector of Perbanas Institute, in a Jakarta statement on Saturday. He noted that the export success stems from a significant domestic production surge during the 2025/2026 period, with this year’s rice surplus of around 17 million tonnes described as the largest in Indonesia’s history. “Production is exceptionally strong. This year’s self-sufficiency is the strongest in history,” he said. Nevertheless, Hermanto stressed that the achievement of self-sufficiency and exports must translate into direct improvements in farmers’ welfare; production success should not stop at statistics. “This is what we are waiting for, so that what farmers do in the future can truly return to the farmers. There must be a real impact on domestic income and farmers’ welfare,” he asserted. He hopes the export momentum can be sustained through consistent policy, stronger distribution, and good stock governance, so that Indonesia’s rice self-sufficiency is not only sustainable but also yields broad economic benefits for society. IPB agriculture analyst Prima Gandhi likewise welcomed the Indonesian government’s move to record a first 2026 rice export of 2,280 tonnes to Saudi Arabia amid the Middle East conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel. He viewed the export as an important milestone in the national drive for food self-sufficiency and a sign of ongoing agricultural production improvement programs implemented during President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. “Exports are clear evidence that Indonesia’s rice self-sufficiency is not temporary but ongoing, sustainable and productive,” he said. “Our production jump is well above average. If domestic stocks and supply are kept steady, exports become a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s role in the global market,” he added. Earlier, the government officially released the first export of government stock rice (CBP) premium rice of 2,280 tonnes worth Rp38 billion to Saudi Arabia. The export aimed to meet the rice needs of around 215,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Agriculture Minister and Head of Bapanas Andi Amran Sulaiman, at the release event at Bulog Kelapa Gading warehouse in Jakarta on Wednesday, 4 March, expressed appreciation to Perum Bulog and farmers across Indonesia, as well as all stakeholders who have striven to achieve this milestone.