"The increasing price of rice is occurring in the whole world and not only in Indonesia. It was caused by climate change that is affecting (production by causing) crop failure," he remarked while handing over rice aid to beneficiary families (KPM) in South Tangerang, Banten, on Monday.
The president pointed out that the amount of rice consumption in Indonesia has not changed, though production has decreased, thereby resulting in a supply shortage that has resulted in price hikes.
Based on the official website of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) accessed on Monday, the average price of premium rice nationally had reached Rp16,100 per kilogram.
The average price of rice in Jakarta also reaches Rp16,500 per kilogram, while the highest price was recorded in the Papua Mountain Province, with Rp23,800 per kilogram, and the lowest price at Rp14,850 per kilogram in Aceh Province.
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In a bid to address this problem, the Indonesian government distributed rice aid to 22 million KPM, based on data managed by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture. This assistance aims to ease the burden on KPM due to the increase in rice prices.
"We are helping our people with this rice aid due to the rising price of rice," Jokowi remarked.
Rice Food Assistance has been distributed since the start of 2023 in two stages and will be continued in 2024.
The president remarked that the rice food aid in 2024 will be distributed from January to June.
The assistance would be extended if the state budget allows, he remarked.
"After June, we will see the amount from the state budget. If it is still sufficient, we will continue the aid distribution," the head of state stated.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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