Deputy Trade Minister: Self-sufficiency crucial to facing global geopolitical situations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti said that self-sufficiency in various essential sectors is important to face the currently dynamic global conflict and geopolitical situation. “We have to be self-sufficient (kita harus mandiri) so that we can survive in any condition,” she said in a podcast interview with ANTARA at the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) RI Jakarta, on Wednesday. She noted that Indonesia is concerned with the escalation of geopolitical tensions that have intensified, including the United States and Israel with Iran in recent times, affecting countries in the West Asia region such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. However, the Wamendag expressed optimism that Indonesia can face this situation well, given that Indonesia always pursues an independent, proactive foreign policy. “We always pursue an independent, proactive foreign policy. We are free to act, and we strive to be friends with everyone,” she said. Wamendag said national energy and food resilience efforts run in tandem with steps to expand the export market for Indonesian products that are still underway. One example is the export of 2,280 tonnes of rice for Indonesian haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Roro said this step is also an important momentum to open new markets. “We are trying to supply our local rice. The hope is not only for haj preparations, but also to facilitate being known in the Saudi market itself. This is also a momentum,” she said. The rice shipped is produced from fresh paddy procured from domestic farmers and processed through a modern high-standard Rice Milling Unit (RMU), with moisture levels maintained, maximum 5 percent breakage, has undergone laboratory tests, meets international export standards, and is halal-certified. The export has also received full support from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Republic of Indonesia, which requires all kitchens providing meals for Indonesian haj pilgrims in Mecca and Medina to use Beras Bulog Befood Nusantara for the Haj 2026 season. Furthermore, Roro said the main aim of exporting rice to Saudi Arabia is for Indonesian haj pilgrims. She added that Indonesian haj pilgrims prefer rice they are familiar with.