February 24, 2026 | 07:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is set to export rice to Saudi Arabia specifically for the consumption of national haj pilgrims, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. "The initial shipment is scheduled to depart for Jeddah on February 28, 2026," Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan confirmed in a written statement on Tuesday, February 24.
The announcement followed a limited coordination meeting held on Monday, February 23, 2026, to finalize the logistics of the export.
Based on the Ministry of Religious Affairs data, 205,420 regular pilgrims and officials are registered for the 2026 haj, requiring a total of 2,280 tons of rice.
This figure accounts for 111 meals per pilgrim—calculated at 100 grams per serving—throughout haj activities in Mecca, Medina, and Arafat. Zulkifli noted that the stock consists of premium long-grain rice with a maximum 5 percent breakage rate.
The National Mandate Party politician added that 98 percent of catering providers have agreed to use the Indonesian supply, provided pricing remains within contractual limits. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) is managing the delivery and has already secured a vessel to ensure the distribution stays on schedule.
To meet Saudi Arabia’s strict import standards, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency is overseeing quality control, issuing Phytosanitary Certificates, and conducting food safety inspections. Initial checks confirm the rice meets all technical requirements, including halal certification and health documentation.
In addition to logistics, the meeting addressed cross-ministerial support, including the financing schemes and the use of government rice reserves in accordance with current regulations. Zulkifli emphasized that the program aims to upgrade catering quality for pilgrims while showcasing Indonesia’s ability to meet international food standards.
Read: Bank Syariah Indonesia Debuts New Umrah Savings Product
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