Bulog's Public Relations and Institutional Affairs Manager Tomi Wijaya stated that earlier, the number of beneficiary families was 21.4 million. The figure was then updated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture for the assistance program in 2024.
Wijaya stated that the rice assistance distribution will be continued until March 2024. The rice assistance is sourced from the government rice reserves (CBP), and each beneficiary receives 10 kilograms of rice each month.
He further remarked that President Joko Widodo would also consider extending the assistance until June 2024.
"Thus, Inshallah (God willing), if the state budget is sufficient, perhaps, this can be realized until the next six months. The community will receive 10 kilograms of rice food assistance (per month) for each beneficiary family," he explained in a media discussion event here on Friday.
Related news: Bulog confirms sufficient rice stock for year-end holidays
Bulog has ensured that the stock of CBP to meet needs during the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year is safe.
Currently, Bulog has secured 1.4 million tons of rice. Furthermore, the stock will be increased by the government's imported rice.
The rice stock of 1.4 million will also be used for rice assistance distribution that will last until next year to maintain price stability in the community.
Bulog had made contracts to secure an additional stock of one million tons of rice out of the additional quota for imports mandated by the government in late 2023, namely 1.5 million tons.
The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has tasked Bulog with implementing two main instruments for anticipating rice price volatility in the country, comprising distributing food assistance and implementing the Food Supply and Price Stabilization Program by conducting cheap market operations.
Throughout 2023, Bulog has distributed 1.4 million tons of rice under the rice assistance program.
Related news: Bapanas ensures sufficient food stock ahead of long holidays
Translator: Maria Cicilia, Raka Adji
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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