The Indonesian government plans to export 1 million tons of premium rice in 2026 after achieving food self-sufficiency. Perum Bulog's rice reserve stands at 3.25 million tons, ensuring domestic needs are met. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that exports are almost certain this year.
Indonesia is gearing up for rice exports in 2026, marking a shift from import dependency to a global food producer. Perum Bulog CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani confirmed the company has prepared 1 million tons of premium rice for export, following directives from Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency (Bapanas) Head Andi Amran Sulaiman. This preparation was discussed at Bulog's National Work Meeting on January 11-12, 2026, in Jakarta, evaluating 2025 performance and 2026 plans.
The national initial rice stock for 2026 is projected at 12.529 million tons, including Bulog's Government Rice Reserve (CBP) of 3.248 million tons. This projection rises 49.12 percent from the 2025 initial stock of 8.402 million tons, and 203.05 percent from 2024's 4.134 million tons. National rice production is estimated at 34.7 million tons, yielding an end-of-year stock of 16.18 million tons, with no imports throughout 2025.
Sulaiman, during Ramdhani's open doctoral promotion session, stated the 3.25 million ton reserve suffices for exports without disrupting domestic supply. At the Harvest Ceremony in Karawang, West Java, on January 7, 2026, he added, "Rice if possible... with Mr. President's (Prabowo Subianto) permission, as long as Bulog gets the permit and absorption for the next three months, same as 2025, I don't ask for more, exports will almost certainly happen this year."
This policy aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to sustainable food self-sufficiency. However, challenges such as global competition from Thailand and Vietnam, weather fluctuations, high logistics costs, and international regulations must be addressed. Nevertheless, exports are expected to boost state foreign exchange, farmer welfare, and job creation in agriculture and logistics sectors.
