Indonesia increases rice exports to Saudi Arabia amid record reserves

Indonesia is increasing rice exports thanks to record-high grain reserves in the country, with the first premium-class shipment shipped to Saudi Arabia, as reported by ANTARA.

Earlier, the country exported 2.28 thousand tonnes of rice to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Further deliveries of around 2 thousand tonnes are planned. The Saudi Arabian market is considered promising, especially given that the number of Indonesians living there reaches approximately 2 million people annually.

"Indonesia has entered a new chapter in national food security, marked by robust rice stocks, rising production, and the capability to both export rice and carry out international humanitarian missions," said Indonesian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono.

According to the Deputy Minister, the country is no longer focused solely on meeting domestic demand and is expanding its role as a food supplier to partners. At the same time, all export decisions are taken carefully to guarantee the stability of domestic supplies.

It is noted that, as of mid-May 2026, state rice reserves amount to around 5.37 million tonnes. By December 2026, reserves are projected to remain at approximately 5 million tonnes. Domestic demand is stable at 2.5–2.6 million tonnes per month, which gives Indonesia the opportunity to expand exports without compromising national security.

Sudaryono stated that the authorities are studying the possibility of partnerships with several countries as potential new destinations for exports. This policy is in line with the directive of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to assist partners facing food crises.