President Prabowo Flags Off First Export of 1,200 Tons of Corn to Malaysia

President Prabowo Subianto officially flags off the first shipment of 1,200 tons of corn from Bengkayang regency, West Kalimantan, to Kuching, Malaysia, on Thursday (06/05). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto officially flagged off the inaugural export of 1,200 tons of corn from Bengkayang regency, West Kalimantan, to Kuching, Malaysia, on Thursday (06/05). This export marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s agricultural transformation toward food self-sufficiency and international market expansion.

In his remarks, President Prabowo expressed appreciation for this inaugural shipment, describing it as a momentum that will be strengthened through the development of village cooperatives and broader, more sustainable production chains.

“I also received a report that today we are sending off our first corn export to our neighboring country, that’s excellent. This will become an ongoing momentum as we prepare to launch 80,000 village cooperatives throughout Indonesia. These will strengthen and synergize with existing successful cooperatives, opening up new networks, new production chains, and new supply chains,” said President Prabowo during his remarks at the simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 18 National Police storage warehouses across 12 provinces, as well as the inauguration of PT Pangan Merah Putih’s Corn Drying Facility.

President Prabowo emphasized that the overarching goal of these initiatives is the welfare of the people, ensuring affordable food and adequate nutrition.

“Our main goal is for food prices to be affordable for the people, the exchange rates for farmers and fishermen to improve, and for all our people to have proper meals, with sufficient protein. God willing, we will achieve our aspirations, a just and prosperous society,” the President affirmed.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman explained in a separate statement that this shipment is part of Malaysia’s total demand of 240,000 tons per year, with an initial request of 20,000 tons per month.

“Today’s shipment is part of a phased delivery, with a monthly demand of 20,000 tons. The total of this first batch is around 48,000 tons, divided into three shipments. 1,200 tons from West Kalimantan, which is about to be released shortly; 20,000 tons from West Nusa Tenggara; and 27,000 tons from Gorontalo. So altogether, we’re exporting around 50,000 tons of corn this month,” said Minister Amran.

He added that this is the first time an export flag off has been launched from Bengkayang regency, marking a historic moment. He emphasized that this success is the result of cross-sector collaboration stemming from President Prabowo’s grand vision, reflecting the strengthening of national food resilience.

“This is a collaborative achievement born from the President of the Republic of Indonesia’s vision. God willing, our food system is strong, our rice stock is safe and currently at its highest in 50 years, with 4 million tons. Our food security continues to improve. And in the future, God willing, we dream of Indonesia becoming a global food estate,” he concluded. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (AS/MUR)