Indonesia's Bulog eyes export opportunity from Malaysia rice request

Speaking on Monday, Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said one of its directors had been asked to visit Malaysia to follow up on the request through discussions with relevant parties.

“Yesterday, one of our directors was asked to travel to Malaysia as they have requested rice imports from Indonesia of no less than 200,000 tons,” Ramdhani said.

He said the demand is significant and reflects the potential of Indonesia’s rice export market.

Bulog is currently in an exploratory phase to ensure supply readiness and develop a cooperation framework that benefits both sides, he added.

Ramdhani expressed hope the opportunity can be realized, strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global market while adding value to national rice reserves.

“This is quite a large amount. We are currently exploring this and hope it can open export opportunities to neighboring countries,” he said.

As of April 13, domestic absorption of unhusked rice had reached around 48.7 percent, or 1.9 million tons, of the 4 million-ton target (rice equivalent).

He said the figure shows significant progress toward meeting the government’s 2026 target.

Meanwhile, Bulog’s total rice stock stood at around 4.7 million tons, stored across its warehouses.

Ramdhani projected that government rice reserves could reach 5 million tons within the next one to 10 days as absorption continues to accelerate.

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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Resinta Sulistiyandari