Introduction – Current State of Play: The Garlic Sector in Indonesia
Indonesia’s garlic market is in the middle of a perfect storm.
In early 2025, the country began grappling with a harsh reality—its garlic supply chain was cracking under pressure. Import delays, policy hiccups, and global supply disruptions have pushed garlic prices to record highs. In Jakarta, garlic prices surged to $3.08 per kilogram, far beyond the government-set retail ceiling of $2.50. Over in Eastern Indonesia, the situation is even more dire, with retail prices hitting $3.50 per kilogram, blowing past the regional limit of $2.64.
Why all the chaos?
It starts with a mismatch between demand and approved imports. The Ministry of Trade greenlit only 300,000 tons of garlic imports for 2025, falling short of the 500,000-ton target. Even more alarming, as of February 2025, just 21,000 tons were on their way to Indonesia. That’s a garlic gap that’s hitting everyone—from local markets to major food processors.
But the problems don’t stop at shipping delays.
Behind the scenes, bureaucratic slowdowns have hampered import permits. In 2024, Indonesia set a garlic import quota of 645,025 tons, but only 349,000 tons had been approved by mid-May. Worse, many of these approvals were issued late, giving importers no time to act swiftly. The Indonesian Ombudsman even flagged possible misconduct, like importers being forced to pay commissions to secure permits.
To calm the storm, the government is stepping in. ID Food, a key state-owned enterprise, was tapped to import 15,000–25,000 tons of garlic from China. This emergency measure aims to shore up reserves and cool off prices, which had spiked to nearly $3.00/kg in some regions.
All this paints a clear picture: Indonesia’s garlic market is highly volatile, and businesses can’t afford to sit on their hands.
With over 95% of garlic being imported, there’s a renewed push to boost local production. A recent study suggests that, despite low competitive advantage, Indonesia has strong comparative advantage—meaning that domestic garlic farming can be profitable with the right support, tech, and infrastructure.
Global garlic trends aren’t helping either. Thailand’s 2024 harvest was down 4%, and the US is facing a 7-10% drop in garlic acreage for 2025. These global issues trickle into Indonesia, making it even more urgent for businesses to rethink supply strategies.
Deep Dive – Breaking News: Critical Updates & Their Effects
While no major new investments or tech breakthroughs have been announced recently, the ripple effects from policy delays and global shortages are creating new market dynamics.
Importers are now looking at alternative routes and suppliers to keep shelves stocked. There’s growing interest in supplier verification tools and B2B platforms like Freshdi for real-time RFQ trends and supplier performance insights.
Buyers are also starting to prioritize suppliers who can demonstrate agility, consistency, and transparency—especially in unpredictable markets like this.
Top 4 Verified Garlic Suppliers in Indonesia – Relevant in the Current Climate
In times like these, choosing the right supplier can make or break your business. We’ve identified the top 4 garlic suppliers in Indonesia for Q3 2025 based on their certifications, export readiness, and buyer feedback on Freshdi.
1. CV Rejeki Rimbun Abadi
- Known for their peeled garlic offerings.
- Strong export volume and great buyer reviews.
- Quick response times and reliable order fulfillment.
- Trusted by international buyers for food processing needs.
2. PT SAMUDERA ALAMIAH JAYA GROUP
- Offers a variety of garlic products including whole and processed.
- ISO-certified facilities and HACCP-compliant.
- Regular supplier on Freshdi for mid-large scale buyers.
- Competitive pricing despite recent supply chain pressures.
3. PT AHALIMA SUJAGAT JAYA
- Specializes in bulk garlic for industrial and culinary use.
- Noted for excellent logistic coordination and quality grading.
- Frequently featured in Freshdi’s “Trending Suppliers” list.
- Great response time to RFQs amid import delays.
4. LEMBAGA PEMBIAYAAN EKSPOR INDONESIA (INDONESIA EXIMBANK)
- Provides value-added garlic products like powders and seasonings.
- Backed by government export financing—ensures supply stability.
- Ideal for buyers looking for processed garlic solutions.
- Active on Freshdi’s RFQ board with recent high-volume deals.
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s important to note that rankings on platforms like Freshdi are dynamic. Suppliers may be highlighted as “Supplier of the Month” or “Quarter” based on recent transaction volume, performance metrics, and buyer feedback. Always check Freshdi for the most up-to-date rankings before finalizing your sourcing decision.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Garlic Landscape in Indonesia
With everything going on, how should buyers respond?
Let’s break it down.
1. Diversify Your Supply Base
If you’ve been relying on one supplier or sourcing region, now’s the time to branch out. Use B2B platforms like Freshdi to compare verified suppliers and track who’s still delivering under pressure.
2. Monitor Policy Shifts in Real Time
Import quotas and permit delays are a recurring headache. Stay updated with alerts from Freshdi or industry news sources to adjust your sourcing plan before bottlenecks hit.
3. Shift Toward Processed Garlic
In times of raw garlic shortages, processed garlic (like powders or peeled garlic) can be a lifesaver. These products often have longer shelf lives and more stable pricing.
4. Consider Domestic Sources—With Caution
Yes, Indonesia produces a small amount of garlic domestically. While it’s not yet competitive on a global level, some buyers are building relationships with local farmers to ensure long-term resilience. Just be aware of higher costs and potential quality variability.
5. Plan for Longer Lead Times
Delays are the new normal. Factor in extended lead times when placing orders, and prioritize suppliers who already have goods in transit or on-hand stock.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Dynamic Market
Let’s recap.
Indonesia’s garlic market is under pressure from all sides—import delays, policy gridlocks, and global supply crunches. Prices are sky-high, and shortages are becoming more than just a temporary blip.
What can businesses do?
Stay agile. Use platforms like Freshdi to get real-time insights, verify suppliers, and respond quickly to RFQ trends. Look beyond traditional sourcing models and consider alternatives like processed garlic or even local producers.
Above all, keep your strategy flexible. With the right intelligence and supplier partnerships, you can ride out the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic prices in Indonesia are at record highs due to import delays and policy issues.
- Only a fraction of the approved garlic import quota has been realized so far in 2025.
- Government intervention includes importing garlic from China via ID Food.
- Top suppliers like CV Rejeki Rimbun Abadi and PT SAMUDERA ALAMIAH JAYA GROUP offer stability.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers adapt by offering supplier verification, RFQ trends, and market alerts.
Buyer Checklist: Navigating Indonesia’s Garlic Market
✅ Check Freshdi for dynamic supplier rankings and availability
✅ Diversify your supplier base to reduce dependence
✅ Monitor policy changes and import quota updates
✅ Explore processed garlic options to reduce risk
✅ Plan orders with a buffer to accommodate delays
Future Outlook
The garlic market in Indonesia will likely stay volatile through the rest of 2025. While government efforts may ease the worst of the supply crunch, long-term solutions will rely on policy reform and investment in domestic production capabilities.
Buyers who stay informed and flexible will be best positioned to thrive in this uncertain environment.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
- Real-time market data and price alerts
- Verified supplier profiles and certifications
- Dynamic RFQ board to track demand shifts
- Supplier performance metrics based on recent activity
- Access to “Supplier of the Month/Quarter” insights
References
- FreshPlaza – Garlic Prices Soar in Indonesia
- Tempo.co – The Chronic Garlic Trade Sickness
- FreshPlaza – Indonesia to Import Garlic from China
- Springer – Competitiveness of Garlic Farming in Indonesia
- Fischer Foods – Global Garlic Market Report
FAQs
1. Why is garlic so expensive in Indonesia right now?
Due to import delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and global supply shortages, garlic prices have surged across the country.
2. Can I trust local Indonesian garlic suppliers during this crisis?
Yes, especially those verified on platforms like Freshdi. They provide transparency, certifications, and recent buyer feedback to help you choose wisely.
3. Is it better to import peeled or powdered garlic during shortages?
Yes. Processed garlic often has more stable pricing and availability during raw supply disruptions.
4. What role does Freshdi play in garlic sourcing?
Freshdi offers real-time supplier rankings, RFQ trend analysis, and direct access to verified exporters actively navigating current market conditions.
5. Will the garlic market stabilize soon?
Not immediately. While government interventions might help, long-term stability will require policy reform and enhanced local production.
