Indonesia's Rice Imports Surge 121 Pct in 2024
Jakarta, The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Indonesia has imported 3.05 million tons of rice, worth $1.91 billion, from January to August 2024. This represents a 121.34 percent increase in rice imports compared to the same period last year, contributing 1.5 percent to the country's non-oil and gas imports.
According to Pudji Ismartini, Deputy for Distribution Statistics and Services at BPS, the top three rice suppliers to Indonesia are Thailand, with 1.13 million tons valued at $734.78 million; Vietnam, with 0.87 million tons valued at $542.86 million; and Pakistan, with 0.46 million tons valued at $290.56 million.
Indonesia's Trade Surplus Extends to 52nd Consecutive Month
Overall, Indonesia's food imports reached $14.48 billion, marking a 3.43 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Besides rice, significant imports include sugar and wheat.
Indonesia imported 3.38 million tons of sugar, valued at $2 billion, contributing 1.56 percent to total non-oil and gas imports. The top sugar suppliers are Brazil, with 1.96 million tons worth $1.15 billion; Thailand, with 0.89 million tons worth $533.78 million; and Australia, with 0.42 million tons worth $241.31 million. "Sugar imports have increased by 5.53 percent from January to August 2024," Pudji said on Tuesday.
Additionally, Indonesia imported 8.44 million tons of wheat and meslin, valued at $2.56 billion, contributing 2.01 percent to total non-oil and gas imports. The leading wheat suppliers are Australia, with 2.27 million tons worth $707.39 million; Canada, with 1.82 million tons worth $639.71 million; and Argentina, with 1.32 million tons worth $373.56 million.
"Wheat and meslin imports have risen by 3.84 percent from January to August 2024," Pudji added.
Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of $2.9 billion in August, continuing its streak of 52 consecutive months of surplus, according to the Central Statistics Agency. This is an increase from the $2.04 billion surplus in July.
Exports in August reached $23.56 billion, marking a 5.97 percent rise from July and a 7.13 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
Imports, however, decreased by 4.93 percent to $20.67 billion from the previous month, although they grew by 9.46 percent year-on-year.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Statistics Chief Defends Strong Q1 Growth Data Amid Skepticism
"We use 2,719 indicators to measure expenditure-side GDP and 841 indicators to measure production-side GDP across Indonesia,” Amalia said.
Government Spending Surges in Q1 2026 on Fiscal Stimulus and Low Base Effect
The government spending surged in Q1 2026 as faster budget disbursement and fiscal stimulus boosted economic activity.
Indonesian Economists Question Validity of Reported 5.61% Q1 Growth
The group said its own research identified discrepancies within the official data, raising concerns over the integrity of the measurement.
Jakarta Economy Grows 5.59% as Inflation Holds at 2.32%
Jakarta’s economy grows 5.59% in Q1 2026, in line with national pace, while inflation remains low at 2.32% on stable prices.
Indonesia’s Palm Oil Exports Tumble 35.08%
Indonesia's palm oil exports only totaled $1.42 billion in March 2026, BPS says.
Indonesia April Inflation Slows to 2.42% as Food Prices Decline
Indonesia’s inflation reached 2.42% YoY in April, with transport costs rising while food prices helped ease monthly pressure.
Prabowo: Indonesia Can Weather Crisis, Eyes Energy Self-Sufficiency
President Prabowo Subianto says Indonesia can weather global uncertainty and aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency within four years.
BPS Rolls Out Survey on 30 Million Businesses
BPS says 27% of businesses remain hesitant to join the 2026 Economic Census, citing confusion over data use and taxes.
Indonesia to Buy 1,000 Tons of US Rice Despite Prabowo’s Anti-Import Stance
Indonesia will import 1,000 tons of US rice under a trade pact, despite President Prabowo’s push to ban standard rice imports.
Indonesia’s Unemployment Rate Drops, but Gen Z and Women Lag in Labor Market
Gen Z remains the most affected by joblessness while women continue to earn less than men, official data shows.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
