In a statement cited here on Wednesday, National Food Agency (Bapanas) Head Arief Prasetyo Adi explained that among the steps taken is mobilizing state-run logistics company Bulog to distribute rice valued under market prices.
"While the HET for medium-grade rice is at Rp13,500 per kilogram in zone 1, Bulog offers rice for Rp12,500 (US$0.76) per kilogram. We intend this initiative to help people access rice at a more affordable price and to lower prices in the market," he elaborated.
The zone 1 he referred to encompasses Java, Lampung, South Sumatra, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi.
In addition to price intervention, Adi highlighted that Bapanas had been working to support the distribution of 20 kilograms of free rice to each of 18.2 million beneficiary families nationwide. This food aid program has covered nearly 99 percent of the target.
"This assistance is a means to directly help residents who are truly in need and maintain their purchasing power amid price dynamics," he pointed out.
He then described the rise of the medium rice price from Rp12,500 to Rp13,500 per kilogram as a reasonable consequence of the dynamic prices of unhusked rice at the farmers' level, which currently range between Rp6,500 and Rp7,000 per kilogram.
"Most importantly, Bulog is present to make rice more affordable for the public," he added.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, in the same statement, said that Indonesia is still witnessing a positive trend in the food sector, noting that this year's national rice production is projected to cross 31 million tons by October and 34 million tons by year-end.
"Keep in mind that Indonesia does not import rice this year because our stock is abundant, owing to the work of ministries and agencies under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership," he stated.
During an inflation control coordination meeting on Tuesday (September 2), Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian confirmed that 214 districts and cities see rising rice prices, although the number of regions witnessing decreasing prices is up from 51 to 58.
He said his ministry would collaborate with Bapanas, Bulog, and the Agriculture Ministry to take necessary measures to stabilize prices in the 214 regions.
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Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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