BPOM ensures quality as Indonesia exports Nusantara Hajj Rice to Saudi Arabia

The head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, said on Monday that the export represents more than a commercial activity, as it reflects the state’s role in ensuring proper care for its citizens by providing food that meets their taste preferences and nutritional needs. Indonesia maintains strong cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including collaboration between BPOM and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (Saudi FDA). Both agencies signed a memorandum of understanding in 2020 to strengthen joint monitoring of food and drug safety and facilitate the entry of products for Hajj purposes, including rice. Under BPOM’s authority for pre- and post-market monitoring, Ikrar affirmed the agency’s readiness to meet Saudi quality and safety standards so the product can be accepted by the country. Among the technical and administrative requirements are Arabic labeling and the inclusion of expiration dates in both Gregorian and Hijri calendar formats. Ikrar said BPOM will ensure these standards are fully met. “The success of Nusantara Hajj Rice to Saudi Arabia requires cross-sectoral synergy to establish an integrated monitoring system,” he said, adding that collaboration is crucial to ensure consistent product quality and reduce the risk of rejection by the destination country. The business initiative is also expected to provide greater certainty for businesses involved in export activities, Ikrar noted. He expressed hope that an integrated monitoring system can facilitate smooth exports and serve as a global model of strategic food export collaboration. He participated in a meeting hosted by the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs. The meeting, which involved 13 institutions, discussed several topics, including the plan to export Nusantara Hajj Rice to Saudi Arabia. The export aims to improve services for Indonesian pilgrims. The government will provide rice produced by local farmers to feed around 200,000 pilgrims. The national logistics company, Bulog, is responsible for the rice provision. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, said after the meeting that the government plans to send 2,280 tonnes of rice in the first shipment to Saudi Arabia. “Exports will continue to Malaysia and other countries, but first, Saudi Arabia,” he said. Hasan noted that the first shipment of rice is scheduled for February 28, 2026. Related news: Indonesia targets Saudi retail market after Hajj rice export success Related news: Indonesia exports 2,280 tons of Hajj rice to Saudi Arabia from Feb 28 Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie Copyright © ANTARA 2026