Indonesia eyes Cambodia rice firms to pad reserves, but plan may falter on export quota, local laws

In 2023, Indonesia produced 31.1 million tonnes of rice in 2023, up 1.4 per cent from 2022.- AFP

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s recent plan to acquire Cambodian rice companies to shore up its rice supplies may hit a snag due to export restrictions and local land ownership laws, experts say.

State-owned logistics agency Bulog has begun talks with several Cambodian rice companies and some Indonesian banks about the acquisition plans. Bulog president director Bayu Krisnamurthi told The Straits Times that it is still early days yet and the matter will be discussed with all relevant parties in stages.