Indonesia's Premium Rice Exports to Saudi Arabia Ready for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims

Jakarta — Indonesia has officially begun exporting premium rice to Saudi Arabia to meet the needs of Indonesian hajj pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj season. The shipments are conducted by Perum Bulog from Bulog’s Kelapa Gading warehouse in Jakarta, on Wednesday 4 March 2026. This marks a new phase in national food management. Indonesia not only maintains rice availability and price stability domestically, but also begins supplying pilgrims in the Holy Land with rice produced by domestic farmers. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said the achievement results from consolidation of production and strengthening national stockpiles. ‘With the hard work of all parties, Indonesia has not only achieved self-sufficiency in rice in 2025, but today we are ready to export CBP rice of premium quality to meet the needs of Indonesian hajj pilgrims,’ said Amran. Bulog is shipping 2,280 tonnes of premium rice in stages throughout this year’s Hajj season. The commodity comes from purchases of fresh paddy from domestic farmers processed through high-standard modern rice milling units (RMUs). The exported rice has water content kept in check with a maximum 5 percent broken grain rate. The product has undergone laboratory tests, meets international export standards, and is halal-certified under the Beras Befood Nusantara brand. Bulog’s Chief Executive Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani regards this export as reflecting national self-reliance in the food sector and going beyond mere trade activity. ‘The country has not only achieved rice self-sufficiency, but today we prove the ability to export rice to supply the needs of pilgrims with the best products produced by Indonesian farmers. This is a symbol of national pride and dignity,’ Rizal said. The Hajj rice export has the support of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. All kitchens providing meals for Indonesian pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah are required to use Bulog Befood Nusantara rice in the 2026 Hajj season. Bulog ensures that this shipment does not disrupt domestic supply. Government Rice Stock (CBP) remains safe and controlled. This momentum also strengthens Indonesia’s food diplomacy on the global stage and opens opportunities to expand the national premium rice market abroad.