President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has announced that Indonesia will import 250,000 tons of rice from the Kingdom of Cambodia. Jokowi made this revelation during the visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and praised Cambodia's decision to export rice to Indonesia. "I appreciate Cambodia's response regarding Indonesia's desire to import around 250,000 tons of rice per year from Cambodia," Jokowi said at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on Monday (September 4). Jokowi also assured that Indonesia would reciprocate by assisting Cambodia in its food security sector. "Indonesia is also ready to support Cambodia's food security infrastructure through the supply of fertilizers," he stated.
Indonesia had been exploring the possibility of rice imports from Cambodia after canceling plans to import 1 million tons of rice from India. India halted rice exports to secure its domestic rice supply. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan mentioned that Indonesia's government rice reserves (CBP) are secure despite not proceeding with the rice import from India. Indonesia currently holds approximately 1.6 million tons of CBP. Meanwhile, the government is seeking alternative sources for rice imports, including Cambodia. The CEO of Perum Bulog, Budi Waseso (known as Buwas), had previously mentioned that rice imports from Cambodia were also canceled, citing issues with pricing.
