Minister: Malaysia Seeks 240,000 Tons of Corn from Indonesia Annually

Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, revealed that Malaysia has requested an annual import of 240,000 tons of corn from Indonesia.

In the initial phase, 1,200 tons of corn have been shipped to the neighboring country.

Minister Sulaiman stated that this export initiative could position Indonesia as a global food powerhouse. He believes Indonesia’s agricultural exports will continue to rise.

“Malaysia's current demand reaches 240,000 tons per year, or over 20,000 tons per month, solely for corn. This does not yet include requests from other countries such as the Philippines,” said the minister on Thursday (June 5).

Besides corn, minister Sulaiman noted that coconut and rice are also among Indonesia’s top export commodities.

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Menteri Pertanian (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman (Dok: Kementan)

Photo :

• VIVA.co.id/Anisa Aulia

Indonesia currently exports around 2.1 million tons of coconut annually, with 400,000 tons destined for Malaysia—most of which is already being fulfilled.

“Meanwhile, Malaysia's rice import needs are also very high. This presents a major opportunity for Indonesia to expand its market for this strategic commodity,” he added.

As known, President Prabowo Subianto also commented that Indonesia’s food production has increased. In the first quarter of 2025, corn production rose by nearly 50 percent.

The head of state expressed optimism that Indonesia would achieve corn self-sufficiency sooner than expected.

“If this level of growth continues, we may not need to import corn at all within a year. This is a significant achievement. The seeds are local, many are organic, and it’s the result of collaboration across sectors,” he stated.

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“Meanwhile, Malaysia's rice import needs are also very high. This presents a major opportunity for Indonesia to expand its market for this strategic commodity,” he added.