“The government will not allow anyone to face a rice shortage, especially with national stocks at a historic high,” Sulaiman said during an inspection at a Bulog warehouse in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra.
He said the move follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to guarantee food availability in disaster zones as emergency operations intensify across the three provinces.
The minister said his office had approved North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution’s request for 5,000 tonnes of rice for relief efforts.
From that request, state logistics agency Bulog has prepared up to 15,000 tonnes to ensure reserves remain sufficient and can be released immediately should additional needs arise.
Alongside rice, the government has also prepared cooking oil for public distribution as part of a coordinated emergency food response.
Sulaiman said the central government is operating around the clock to meet requests from regional administrations, backed by the military, police and other agencies to speed up deliveries.
Related news: Bulog doubles rice stock in Sumatra to support disaster response
He noted that national rice reserves currently stand at 3.8 million tonnes — the highest level on record — ensuring there is no cause for public concern over supply stability.
The government, he added, remains committed to maintaining close coordination among ministries, local governments and security institutions to optimize food distribution and ensure affected residents receive adequate assistance.
Sulaiman also thanked regional authorities, the military and police for their rapid response in stabilizing logistics channels and supporting relief operations.
Floods and landslides have recently struck Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra following days of intense rainfall.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 3 the disasters had killed 770 people, left 463 missing and affected a total of 3.2 million residents.
Related news: Sumatra flood: Bulog boosts relief efforts, delivers tons of rice
Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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