He said the additional supply serves as a special allocation for post-disaster recovery, made possible by the country’s strong national rice reserves. He added that the central government could provide up to three times the amount requested if needed.
Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, Sulaiman explained that state-owned logistics agency Bulog had secured 3.68 million tons of rice as of December 8, the highest volume recorded in the past decade. In previous years, year-end stock typically ranged between 1.2 million and 1.5 million tons.
With 3.68 million tons of rice in reserve, he said the stock is equivalent to three times the monthly national requirement, making the ten thousand tons requested by Aceh relatively small compared to the overall supply.
He added that Bulog will distribute the ten thousand tons to Aceh this week as food assistance and through the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program.
"This initiative is part of the government's ongoing emergency efforts to supply 34 thousand tons of rice to three disaster-hit provinces in Sumatra," he said.
Sulaiman also reassured Aceh residents that national rice supplies remain secure, emphasizing that current reserves will be sufficient for the entire country until April next year.
At a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Base in Aceh on December 7, Governor Mualem highlighted the urgent need for clean water and basic goods, including rice and cooking gas.
He later accompanied the president to the air base for his return to Jakarta and expressed gratitude to the central government for its swift response.
“Mr. President's presence has reignited the spirit of local people and governments to speed up disaster response efforts,” Mualem said.
Related news: Prabowo doubles regional aid to Rp4 bln for Sumatra disaster-hit areas
Related news: BNPB estimates Sumatra flood recovery cost at US$3.1 billion
Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
