Government targets Saudi Arabian retail market following Hajj rice export

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is targeting the expansion of rice sales to retail networks in Saudi Arabia following the successful inaugural export of Indonesian Hajj rice, with opportunities for absorption through modern retail chains and the Indonesian Umrah pilgrim segment.

Perum Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said market exploration in Saudi Arabia had shown strong interest in Indonesian rice, not only for Hajj requirements but also for the commercial and Umrah markets.

“The opportunities for Indonesian rice in Saudi Arabia are enormous. After Hajj rice, we will continue with Umrah and retail rice,” Ahmad said following a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food in Jakarta on Monday.

He identified two Saudi Arabian modern retail chains, namely Bin Dawood and Lulu, which have expressed interest in stocking Indonesian rice for the local retail market.

“The modern retailers that have confirmed include Bin Dawood and Lulu. These are major retailers in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

According to him, the market potential is underpinned by the number of Indonesian Umrah pilgrims, estimated at nearly two million per year, in addition to the sizeable Indonesian community residing in Saudi Arabia.

Ahmad said Bulog had also identified importers who would handle the distribution of Indonesian rice in Saudi Arabia, from the destination port through to Hajj kitchens and retail networks.

“The importers are already in place, and they are responsible for distribution from Jeddah Port to the kitchens and retail outlets there,” he said.

He affirmed that the development of the retail and Umrah markets would proceed in stages following the inaugural Hajj rice export, whilst maintaining supply continuity and rice quality.

The government considers the Hajj rice export a strategic entry point for broadening the presence of Indonesian rice in the Middle Eastern market, whilst strengthening Indonesia’s position as a country capable of supplying food for global needs.

“We are doing this in stages. The important thing is that the Hajj rice export runs well first, and then we develop it for the Umrah and retail markets,” Ahmad said.

Previously, Bulog was scheduled to export 2,280 tonnes of Indonesian Hajj rice to Saudi Arabia, valued at approximately Rp150 billion, in two waves on 28 February 2026 and 4 March 2026, marking the nation’s inaugural rice export for the needs of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.