The Chief Executive Officer of Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has confirmed that the export price of Indonesian rice to Malaysia will be set above Indonesia’s domestic Highest Retail Price (HET).
Speaking after an Eid al-Adha sacrificial animal ceremony in Jakarta on Friday, May 29, 2026, Rizal stated that the export pricing decision aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. This strategy aims to ensure that Indonesian rice exports generate significant profits for local farmers and enhance state revenue.
“As per President Prabowo Subianto’s guidance yesterday, the price at which we export must be profitable for our farmers, for our nation and state,” Rizal explained, as quoted by Antara on Saturday, May 30, 2026. This commitment underscores a new direction for Indonesia’s agricultural trade policy.
Rizal further indicated that the potential export price for Indonesian rice to Malaysia is expected to surpass previous offers from Malaysia, which were around Rp 16,000 per kilogram. “Yes, God willing, it will be like that (the export price will be above Rp 16,000 per kilogram),” he affirmed, signaling optimism for a more lucrative deal.
Following the momentum of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah/2026 AD, Bulog, in collaboration with a team from the Ministry of Agriculture, plans an important visit to Sarawak, Malaysia. This visit is crucial for discussions on the proposed Indonesian rice exports, aiming to solidify a mutually beneficial trade partnership.
The upcoming visit serves a dual purpose: to ascertain the precise quantity of rice required for export and to meticulously discuss the pricing structure and the most advantageous trade scheme for both nations. This ensures a comprehensive approach to securing a fair and sustainable agreement.
Technical discussions will also delve into the logistical aspects of rice delivery, considering options such as a port-to-port mechanism or direct purchases made at Jakarta’s Priok Port. This flexibility aims to streamline the export process and maximize efficiency.
Rizal emphasized that the final decision regarding the shipping mechanism will be a collaborative one, discussed further with Malaysian counterparts. The objective is to ensure that the export process is both effective and yields optimal benefits for Indonesia and Malaysia, strengthening regional food security and economic ties.
Before the official execution of the rice export plan to Malaysia, Bulog will engage in internal consultations. These discussions will involve the marketing director, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman, to determine the most favorable price. “This is to seek the best guidance,” Rizal revealed, highlighting the thoroughness of their preparations.
Bulog remains optimistic that this strategic rice export initiative will significantly bolster Indonesia’s standing in regional food trade. Furthermore, it is expected to unlock new opportunities for increasing the value added in the agricultural sector and stimulating the national economy, positioning Indonesia as a key player in global food markets.
For context, the domestic Highest Retail Price (HET) for premium rice in Indonesia, as regulated by the National Food Agency (Bapanas) zoning, currently ranges from Rp 14,900 to Rp 15,800 per kilogram, varying across different regions of the country.
Earlier, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the launch of 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, President Prabowo Subianto publicly addressed Bulog’s readiness for Indonesian rice exports. In a notable moment during his speech, the President called Bulog CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani to the stage, specifically reminding him that Indonesian rice should not be undervalued when entering the export market.
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Summary
Perum Bulog CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani has confirmed that Indonesian rice exports to Malaysia will be priced above the domestic Highest Retail Price (HET) and potentially exceed Rp 16,000 per kilogram. This strategy, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to prioritize profitability for local farmers and increase state revenue. Bulog plans to visit Sarawak, Malaysia, to finalize pricing, quantity, and logistical mechanisms, ensuring a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
Before executing the export plan, Bulog will conduct internal consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Food Agency to determine the most favorable terms. This initiative is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position in regional food trade and provide significant economic benefits to the agricultural sector. The move reflects a new policy direction focused on ensuring that Indonesian agricultural products are not undervalued in the international market.