Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has commended the Riau Islands (Kepri) province for successfully tapping into Singapore's export market, particularly in the food sector. He highlighted that Singapore's demand for chicken and hydroponic products has been substantial, especially as Johor, Malaysia—formerly a primary supplier—now prioritises domestic needs. Tito encouraged local producers to collaborate with Governor Ansar Ahmad to seize this opportunity. Governor Ansar revealed that Kepri has already exported approximately 6,000 tons of hydroponic vegetables and 1.5 million live chickens from Bintan to meet Singapore's retail demands. He emphasised that these exports currently supply only 2–3 malls, indicating significant untapped potential.
To further facilitate this growth, the provincial government, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, has inaugurated the Export Hub at the Sumatera Promotion Centre in Batam's Public Service Mall. This hub aims to serve as a gateway for Kepri's products to international markets, with a particular focus on Singapore. Governor Ansar noted that Singapore's Food Security Agency has engaged in multiple discussions with Kepri officials, signalling a strong interest in expanding the range of export commodities. This development underscores Kepri's strategic positioning to become a key player in regional food exports.
