Perbanas Institute Rector Praises Rice Exports of 2,280 Tons to Saudi Arabia, Evidence of Sustainable Self-Sufficiency

Jakarta — The Rector of Perbanas Institute, Hermanto Siregar, praised the Indonesian government’s move to undertake an initial rice export of 2,280 tonnes to Saudi Arabia. He said the achievement is real proof that national rice production has achieved sustainable self-sufficiency. Hermanto stated that this export success is inseparable from a significant domestic production surge during 2025/2026. He even cited this year’s rice surplus of around 17 million tonnes as the largest in Indonesia’s history. ‘Production is exceptionally strong. This year’s self-sufficiency is the strongest in history, and government rice stocks have reached 4.2 million tonnes,’ he said on Thursday (5 February 2026). He noted that with high production and robust government rice stocks, Indonesia can not only safeguard national food security but also begin strengthening its position in global markets through exports. However, Hermanto underlined that the achievement of self-sufficiency and exports must directly improve farmers’ welfare. He said the success in production should translate to farmers’ incomes and welfare, not just statistics. ‘This is what we are waiting for, so that what farmers do in the future truly benefits farmers. There must be a real impact on domestic income and farmers’ welfare,’ he said. Hermanto hopes the export momentum can be sustained through consistent policy, strengthened distribution, and good stock management. With that, Indonesia’s rice self-sufficiency would not only be sustainable but also deliver broad economic benefits to society. ‘It must be maintained so that self-sufficiency remains sustainable,’ he said. The IPB University farming analyst, Prima Gandhi, likewise praised the government’s record of the 2,280-ton rice export to Saudi Arabia in 2026 amidst the Middle East conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. He sees the export as a significant milestone in the national food security journey, and as a sign of the sustainability of the agricultural production program implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. ‘This export is tangible proof that Indonesia’s rice self-sufficiency is not temporary but continues sustainably and productively,’ he said. He noted that rice exports hold high strategic value for food security and the national trade balance. Indonesia, he added, is showing meaningful progress in rice production and stock management, with record rice reserves in the country. ‘Our production jump is far beyond the average. If domestic stock and supply are maintained, then exports become a strategic step to strengthen Indonesia’s role in the global market,’ said Prima.