Modern facilities will help Indonesia improve corn quality and increase exports

APJI calls for modernization of grain drying and storage systems to meet export standards.

The Indonesian Corn Producers Association (APJI) is calling on the government to equip the state food agency, Bulog, with modern grain silos and drying facilities to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth in corn exports.

As APJI Chairman Sholahuddin noted, most farmers still use manual drying methods, which are ineffective for large-scale production and result in unstable grain moisture levels, often not meeting export requirements.

“To increase exports, it is necessary to improve the quality of post-harvest processing. Corn must be dried mechanically to meet moisture standards,” Sholahuddin emphasized.

Bulog currently has several silos and drying facilities, but most of them are used for storing rice, limiting its capacity to receive and process corn. This capacity shortage is hindering the stabilization of domestic stocks and the expansion of export potential.

According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia’s corn exports increased to 6,400 tons in June 2025, compared to a previous monthly volume of only 100-200 tons.

Sholahuddin noted that a long-term increase in supplies is only possible with the modernization of post-harvest infrastructure, which will ensure consistent product quality and improve its competitiveness in international markets.

Tags: export, Indonesia, corn