Indonesia Imports Dates Ahead of Ramadan 2024: Here's Where They Come From

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Indonesia imported US$30.84 million worth of dates for Ramadan needs in the January-February 2024 period, equivalent to Rp480.30 billion (assuming Rp15,574 per US$). This represents a 26.32% year-on-year (yoy) decrease compared to January-February 2023, when imports reached US$41.86 million or approximately Rp651.92 billion.

In terms of volume, date imports in January-February 2024 totaled 18,670 tons, a 28.20% yoy decrease compared to 26,020 tons in the same period last year.

Leading up to Ramadan this year, the largest volume of date imports came from Tunisia, at US$9.15 million or approximately Rp142.50 billion. This was followed by imports from Egypt at US$8.74 million (Rp136.11 billion), Iran at US$2.87 million (Rp44.69 billion), and Saudi Arabia at US$2.66 million (Rp41.42 billion).

Imports from other countries totaled US$7.42 million or Rp115.55 billion.

BPS confirmed that no date imports originated from Israel during this period.

Previously, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a fatwa declaring dates from Israel haram (forbidden).

"The substance is halal, but it becomes haram because the proceeds from the sale of the dates are used to kill Palestinians," said Sudarmoto, Head of MUI's Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The MUI also called on all Muslims in Indonesia to refrain from using products from companies affiliated with Israel. This is outlined in MUI Fatwa No. 83 of 2023 concerning the Ruling on Support for the Palestinian Struggle.