Bulog and BRIN Expand Technology Partnership to Strengthen Indonesia’s Food Security

Indonesia’s state logistics agency Perum Bulog has expanded its collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to strengthen the management of government rice reserves and improve food logistics using advanced technologies. The initiative focuses on improving food quality, preventing pest damage, and modernising supply chain infrastructure. According to details reported by ANTARA, the partnership aims to ensure research-driven innovations are applied directly to support national food security and more efficient food distribution across the country.

The expanded cooperation builds on an existing partnership established in 2024 between Bulog and BRIN. On 27 March, both organisations signed an addendum to their memorandum of understanding on food and agricultural supply chain research in Jakarta, reinforcing joint efforts to modernise Indonesia’s food system.

Applying Technology to Strengthen Food Logistics

Perum Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said the collaboration forms part of the agency’s broader transformation in managing food supply chains through innovation-based systems.

“Through synergy with BRIN, Bulog not only strengthens its role in maintaining food availability and price stability but also promotes technological innovation to improve overall food logistics management,” — Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, President Director, Perum Bulog

The partnership covers several areas of technological development. These include smart farming initiatives that use advanced technologies to improve crop management, optimisation of food processing infrastructure, and the modernisation of warehouses used to store national food reserves.

In addition, the organisations plan to explore new approaches to food product diversification and strengthen the efficiency of national food distribution networks. These efforts are intended to make Indonesia’s food system more resilient while improving the handling and storage of staple commodities such as rice.

Focus on Preservation Technologies and Research Application

A key area of cooperation involves food preservation technologies designed to maintain product quality and extend shelf life. The initiative includes research into irradiation techniques that can help reduce spoilage, prevent pest infestation, and support safer long-term storage of food supplies.

Ramdhani said the updated agreement reflects a commitment to deeper collaboration across sectors to support a national food security system that is adaptive, innovative, and sustainable.

“With this addendum, the company is committed to strengthening cross-sector collaboration to support an adaptive, innovative, and sustainable national food security system,” — Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, President Director, Perum Bulog

BRIN Head Arif Satria emphasised that closer collaboration between research institutions and operational agencies is essential to ensure scientific developments move beyond laboratory environments and into real-world applications.

“This partnership is a concrete step to ensure research outcomes are applied directly to build a more modern, efficient, and sustainable national food system,” — Arif Satria, Head, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)

Supporting Indonesia’s Broader Technology and Innovation Agenda

The initiative reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to integrate research, technology, and industrial capability into national development priorities. Similar collaborations across sectors are emerging as the country strengthens its innovation ecosystem, including initiatives highlighted in NIF Jakarta’s work to build AI readiness in education and industry.

At the same time, Indonesia continues to expand technology partnerships and research capacity to support long-term economic resilience, including strategic investments in advanced industries such as those outlined in Indonesia’s semiconductor development strategy.

By linking research institutions with operational agencies such as Bulog, policymakers aim to ensure that technological innovation supports practical outcomes. In the case of food security, this includes improving storage, distribution, and quality management systems to maintain stable national food reserves and reliable supply for Indonesia’s population.