Amran Says Government Is Preparing Large-Scale SPHP Rice Stock, What's Going On?

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The government will intensify market intervention through the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation Programme (SPHP) during Ramadan. The head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Minister of Agriculture (Mentan), Amran Sulaiman, said this move is intended to safeguard households’ purchasing power. He noted that price spikes in several commodities must be addressed promptly to avoid burdening the public as demand rises.

“SPHP is distributor-neutral according to their capacity because we are preparing a large-scale SPHP. In the holy month of Ramadan we will still run affordable markets,” Amran said at the Ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday (4/3/2026).

He confirmed that government food aid has also been administratively approved and is ready to be distributed to recipient communities.

“Yes, yes. I have signed. It’s signed. Basically, everything the people need must be settled; it cannot stay on my desk overnight,” he said.

Amran emphasised that overall stocks of strategic commodities are sufficient. He even noted that some commodities, such as chilli, have seen price declines.

“Chilli prices have fallen as well. With the others, our strategic commodities, I thank you,” he added.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged three commodities remain a concern because they contribute to inflation.

“These three require attention. We have coordinated with the Home Affairs Ministry (Kemendagri), the Chief of Police (Kapolri), the Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim), the Minister of Trade, and the Coordinating Minister for Food. Okay, clear,” he asserted.

He also stressed the importance of keeping prices below the Highest Retail Price (HET), particularly for broiler chickens.

“We want them entirely below the HET. That is non-negotiable. If there was talk of a small rise earlier, even a little rise is not acceptable. No more compromises,” he said.

Through cross-ministerial and agency coordination, the government hopes to dampen seasonal price rises ahead of major religious holidays.

“So we now agree that this is no longer due to production, but the actions of a few individuals that burden millions of Indonesian people,” Amran said.