Bulog chief says premium rice export to Malaysia is a gift for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
President Director of Perum Bulog Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani has described the first export of 1,000 tonnes of premium rice to Malaysia as a special gift presented in commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Ahead of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, we are showing that through the hard work of farmers, government support, and good food management, Indonesia has the stock strength that allows us to begin penetrating the international market,” Rizal said in Jakarta on Saturday.
Previously, Perum Bulog together with Padi dan Beras Borneo Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding plans for commercial premium rice exports from Indonesia to Malaysia. The MoU was witnessed directly by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman in Jakarta on Friday evening (14/8).
According to Rizal, the signing of the MoU was a special momentum as well as the most beautiful offering ahead of the celebration of Indonesia’s 81st Independence.
He said that amid the spirit of independence, Indonesia is demonstrating increasingly strong food self-sufficiency, opening space for the nation not only to meet domestic needs but also to begin contributing to regional food trade.
Currently, the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) managed by Bulog has reached around 5.2 million tonnes. This stock strength is one indicator of the increasingly robust national rice situation, giving Indonesia the capacity to safeguard public food needs while developing commercial premium rice export opportunities.
Under the cooperation plan, the initial shipment of commercial premium rice to Malaysia will amount to 1,000 tonnes, with potential trade volume reaching up to 200,000 tonnes per year.
Rizal stressed that this is an important momentum for Bulog in strengthening its commercial role while expanding the market for Indonesian premium rice.
“Bulog’s priority remains safeguarding national food security. However, when stocks are strong and domestic needs are secure, we have the opportunity to develop commercial business, including premium rice exports,” he said.
“This is a form of confidence that Indonesia is not only capable of meeting its own needs but also has products that can be marketed to other countries,” he added.
Rizal further said the move is part of the company’s transformation in strengthening its commercial business, expanding its market network, and increasing the competitiveness of Indonesian food products at the regional and global levels.
With the support of domestic production, the strength of government rice reserves, and synergy between the government and business actors, Indonesia has the opportunity to improve its position in regional food trade.
Bulog will continue to strengthen synergy with the government and strategic partners, both at home and abroad, to ensure national rice management runs in balance between food security, supply stability, farmer welfare, and commercial market development.
Previously, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said the signing of the rice export MoU was a proud moment because it took place ahead of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Today, when our stocks are strong at around 5.2 million tonnes, we are starting to talk about exports. This shows that Indonesia is getting stronger and more confident,” said the Minister.
According to him, the strength of government rice reserves is an important foundation in maintaining national food security. With safe stock conditions, Indonesia has room to develop rice trade to international markets without neglecting the needs of the people at home.
“Exports do not mean we are reducing attention to the people’s needs. On the contrary, exports are carried out because our conditions are already secure. The main priority remains domestic needs,” said Amran.