JAKARTA – Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, President Director of Perum Bulog, Indonesia’s state-owned food logistics agency, has affirmed that the export price for Indonesian rice destined for Malaysia will be set above the domestic Highest Retail Price (HET). This strategic decision underscores Indonesia’s commitment to maximizing returns from its agricultural sector.
Speaking in Jakarta on Friday, May 29, 2026, following the Eid al-Adha sacrificial ceremony, Rizal elaborated that this export pricing strategy is a direct implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s directive. The President’s guidance emphasizes ensuring that Indonesian rice exports significantly benefit local farmers and concurrently bolster state revenue.
“In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions yesterday, the price at which we export must be profitable for our farmers, for our nation, and for our country,” Rizal stated, as quoted by Antara on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Rizal further indicated that the prospective export price for Indonesian rice to Malaysia holds the potential to surpass previous offers from Malaysia, which were reportedly in the range of Rp 16,000 per kilogram. This suggests a stronger negotiating position for Indonesia.
“Yes, God willing, it will be so,” he affirmed, expecting the export price to indeed exceed Rp 16,000 per kilogram.
To finalize these plans, Bulog, in collaboration with a team from the Ministry of Agriculture, intends to undertake a pivotal visit to Sarawak, Malaysia. This trip is scheduled to occur shortly after Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah/2026 AD, specifically to deliberate on the comprehensive scheme for Indonesian rice exports.
The purpose of this crucial visit, according to Rizal, is multi-faceted: to ascertain the precise volume of rice required for export, to discuss the optimal pricing structure, and to establish the most mutually beneficial trade scheme for both Indonesia and Malaysia.
“Our plan is to head to Sarawak soon after Eid al-Adha, God willing, with the team from the Ministry of Agriculture, to simultaneously confirm the exact volume and the fixed price,” he reiterated.
Beyond pricing and volume, technical discussions will also delve into the logistics of rice delivery. Key aspects include determining whether the shipments will be conducted via a port-to-port scheme or if direct purchases will be made at Jakarta’s Priok Port.
Rizal clarified that the final decision regarding the shipping mechanism would be deliberated further with Malaysia. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the export process is not only effective but also yields optimal advantages for both participating nations.
“This will be decided after our discussions there in Malaysia, whether it’s a port-to-port arrangement or if they opt for direct purchases at Priok Port,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Bulog will undertake extensive internal consultations, particularly with its marketing director, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Head of the National Food Agency, Andi Amran Sulaiman. These crucial discussions aim to ascertain the most favorable pricing strategy before the official commencement of rice exports to Malaysia. “This is to seek guidance on what the best approach would be,” Rizal elaborated.
Bulog expresses strong optimism that this planned rice export initiative will significantly bolster Indonesia’s standing in regional food trade. Furthermore, it is expected to unlock substantial opportunities for enhancing value addition within the agricultural sector and stimulate the national economy.
For context, the current Highest Retail Price (HET) for premium rice in Indonesia, as regulated by the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and adjusted for zonal variations, ranges from Rp 14,900 to Rp 15,800 per kilogram across different selling regions.
Notably, the topic of Bulog’s readiness for Indonesian rice export opportunities was previously addressed by President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This occurred during the launch of 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative outlets in Nganjuk, East Java.
During his address, President Prabowo unexpectedly summoned Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, Bulog’s President Director, from below the stage. The President used this moment to issue a firm reminder: Indonesian rice must not be undervalued or sold too cheaply when it enters the international export market.
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Summary
Perum Bulog, Indonesia’s state-owned logistics agency, has announced that rice exports to Malaysia will be priced above the domestic Highest Retail Price (HET) to maximize national revenue and support local farmers. Following President Prabowo Subianto’s directive, officials expect the export price to exceed Rp 16,000 per kilogram, strengthening Indonesia’s negotiating position in the regional market.
To finalize these trade details, a delegation from Bulog and the Ministry of Agriculture will visit Sarawak, Malaysia, to determine precise export volumes, pricing structures, and logistics arrangements. This initiative aims to enhance the value of Indonesia’s agricultural sector while fostering mutually beneficial trade, with final decisions on shipping mechanisms to be reached through upcoming collaborative discussions.