Indonesia Clears First 2,280 Tons of Rice for Export to Saudi Arabia
Indonesia has approved rice exports to Saudi Arabia after confirming that supplies from Perum Bulog meet international food safety standards. About 2,280 tonnes of premium rice will be shipped to support Indonesian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, ensuring food supply for over 205,000 pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage period.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Food Agency of Indonesia said rice supplied by Perum Bulog meets export safety and quality standards after receiving a health certificate, allowing shipments to Saudi Arabia.
“The HC document is issued as a guarantee of the safety of fresh plant-based food commodities for Indonesian exports,” said Andriko Noto Susanto, deputy for consumer diversity and food safety at the National Food Agency, in a written statement on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The certificate was issued by the National Food Agency together with the Competent Regional Food Safety Authority (OKKPD) of Banten. Andriko said the agency will also cooperate with OKKPD offices in East Java and West Java to facilitate similar certification for future rice exports.
The health certificate confirms hygiene and sanitation standards through a Certificate of Good Handling Practices for Fresh Plant-Based Food (SPPB-PSAT). According to Andriko, the certification verifies that Bulog rice meets limits on heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues, as well as quality and labeling requirements.
The document can also be used by importers in Saudi Arabia to register through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority Food Import Registration System.
Indonesia plans to export 2,280 tons of premium rice gradually to Saudi Arabia to help supply food for pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026. The rice is produced from paddy sourced from Indonesian farmers and processed through modern rice milling units with a maximum breakage rate of 5 percent.
The shipment is intended to meet the needs of about 205,420 Indonesian pilgrims and Hajj officials this year. The volume is based on an estimated rice consumption of 170 grams per person per day.
According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims will receive a 170-gram portion of rice for each meal, along with 80 grams of side dishes and 75 grams of vegetables.
The total rice requirement is calculated from pilgrims’ meal schedules, which include 78 meals in Mecca, 27 meals in Medina, and six meals in the Armuzna area consisting of Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
To Read more about Rice News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Tempo.co
