“The current staple food supply chain is too lengthy. It must be shortened through these food outlets,” Arief remarked in Jakarta on Thursday (June 27).
He noted that these outlets will make it easier for the public to access affordable staple foods without compromising quality.
According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in 2024, some 62.71 percent of rice production is distributed to wholesalers, 14.06 percent to retailers, and only 10.85 percent directly to consumers. This distribution pattern is expected to be improved through the role of Kopdes Merah Putih.
The outlets will be supplied by farmers, livestock breeders, farmer groups, state-owned and regional enterprises (BUMN/BUMD), private companies, and associations—all of whom expressed support during the Basic Food Outlet Coordination Meeting on June 26, 2025.
Staple goods available will include SPHP rice, Minyakita cooking oil, sugar, and flour, which will also help stabilize food inflation.
Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed each Kopdes to operate at least six business units to ensure long-term profitability if managed well by local communities.
The three main units are: fertilizer agents, 3-kg LPG gas depots, and food outlets—all of which are in high demand and help eliminate middlemen and layered distribution.
The other three units include government aid distributors, financial service agents such as BRI Link for rural banking access, and small health clinics to support nutrition and basic services in villages.
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
