Ministry of Trade Issues New Regulations to Tighten Exports, This is Bulog CEO's Response
The government has officially tightened export regulations through Trade Ministerial Regulation (Permendag) No. 12 of 2026, which grants authority for the suspension up to revocation of export permits to safeguard domestic supply. This policy is affirmed to ensure that domestic needs remain the top priority amid global trade dynamics.
In response to the regulation, Perum Bulog’s President Director, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, expressed his support. He assessed that the policy is appropriate as it places the needs of the domestic population above exports.
“Yes, I agree. Because it prioritises local needs. It’s better to prioritise our own people, so don’t export first if domestic needs are not yet sufficient,” said Rizal to CNBC Indonesia, when met at the Perum Bulog Regional Office Warehouse for DKI Jakarta and Banten, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).
He emphasised that exports should only be conducted if national needs have been fulfilled.
“Exports should only happen if national food needs, or domestic needs, are sufficient, then exports are allowed,” he stated.
Rizal also assessed that suspending exports is not an issue if domestic conditions are not yet stable.
“Yes, what was conveyed is actually related to the Minyakita issue. So, priority for domestic needs first,” he explained.
When confirmed whether this policy relates to the supply of cooking oil raw materials, he confirmed it.
“Yes. Correct,” Rizal said briefly.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Trade, Ni Made Kusuma Dewi, explained that the policy in Permendag No. 12/2026 has clear indicators, particularly regarding the fulfilment of domestic needs.
“Based on Article 51B of Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 12 of 2026, export controls in the form of suspension, freezing, or revocation of business permits are aimed at supporting the fulfilment of certain goods needs domestically,” Made explained to CNBC Indonesia, contacted separately.
She added that this policy is formulated considering broad national interests.
“This policy is based on considerations of national interests, public interests, support for the smooth running of government administration or government programmes, and the implementation of presidential directives. One of the indicators is the fulfilment of certain goods needs domestically for national interests,” she said.
To maintain business certainty, the government ensures transparent mechanisms before the policy is implemented.
“The government is committed to guaranteeing legal certainty for business actors,” said Made.
She explained that before suspension or freezing of permits is enforced, the government first holds inter-ministerial coordination meetings.
“In this case, coordination meetings held at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs or the Coordinating Ministry for Food. This is done as a form of synergy between agencies,” she clarified.
Furthermore, she emphasised that this policy is flexible and can be evaluated at any time.
“The policy of suspension, freezing, or revocation of business permits is dynamic, can be evaluated at any time, and can be reactivated,” she explained.
Previously, Trade Minister Budi Santoso established Permendag No. 12 of 2026 on 28 April 2026 and it came into effect on 29 April 2026. This regulation is the fifth amendment to Permendag No. 23 of 2023 on Export Policy and Regulations.
In the regulation, the government expands the scope of export controls, including the list of regulated commodities, from rice, animal products, fisheries, to mining products.
In addition, the authority for suspension, freezing, and revocation of export permits can now also be proposed by related ministries or agencies and decided through inter-ministerial coordination meetings.
This policy is affirmed to strengthen government control so that export activities remain aligned with the fulfilment of domestic needs and national interests.