Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that food supplies remain secure and distribution is running smoothly, despite violent demonstrations in several areas of the country on August 29.

"We will see, God willing, food supplies are secure," he said after attending an Inflation Control Meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He explained that the government continues to implement various measures to maintain stable food supplies and prices, including accelerating the distribution of rice under the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program.

The government has targeted the distribution of 1.3 million tons of SPHP rice for the July–December 2025 period.

According to Hasan, one way to speed up distribution is by channeling rice through traditional markets rather than bazaars.

"Not through bazaars, but through markets. Since they exist in every city and district, traditional markets can absorb more quickly than bazaars, which are limited to specific locations," he said.

He added that the government will also accelerate the opening of new land to increase food production for rice and corn.

Hasan emphasized that the government is not only focusing on providing carbohydrates from rice and corn, but also on protein sources such as chicken, eggs, meat, and horticultural products.

"So, we are making comprehensive improvements so that productivity can increase quickly," he said.

Separately, Trade Minister Budi Santoso coordinated with retail business associations to ensure reliable retail supplies in areas affected by demonstrations.

Santoso said businesses are ready to distribute goods and have not received any complaints so far.

He also appealed to the public not to panic buy or stockpile products due to the protests, assuring that supplies remain sufficient.



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