"The current government rice reserve stocks secured by Bulog are 1.4 million tons, and there is also the remaining import quota of 1.5 million tons this year," Bulog's Supply Chain and Public Services Director, Mokhamad Suyamto, stated here on Monday.
Suyamto remarked that rice stocks at Bulog's warehouses can also be used for the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program under which relatively cheaper priced rice is distributed to central markets, traditional markets, and modern retail stores.
Furthermore, Bulog's rice stocks are able to meet the needs for the distribution of rice assistance targeting 22 million beneficiary families and is planned to be continued until June 2024.
"Currently, Bulog is distributing rice aid of 10 kilograms to 22 million beneficiaries starting from January until June," he remarked.
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Suyamto further noted that his agency would continue to make positive maneuvers to respond to rice prices that still fluctuate by maximally carrying out tasks given by the government.
Suyamto stated that Bulog is also conducting intervention through the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) under which rice is sold below the retail ceiling price (HET), namely Rp54 thousand (around US$3.45) per five kilograms. The program is carried out by visiting residential areas and crowded places.
"It takes time to achieve a balance in prices, both at the producer and consumer levels. However, it has been calculated well by the government, so the community does not need to worry about the prices and availability of food, especially rice," he remarked.
He emphasized that the government continues to take quick actions against economic impacts triggered by climate change.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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