Bangka Belitung strengthens rice stock to prevent price hikes
The Provincial Government of the Bangka Belitung Islands is increasing rice supply from outside the region to strengthen stockpiles and prevent price increases that could burden the local economy, particularly for low-income communities.
“This week, we are adding a supply of 24.1 tonnes of rice from South Sumatra,” said the Head of the Industry and Trade Office for the Bangka Belitung Islands, Subekti Saputra, in Pangkalpinang on Wednesday.
He stated that the current rice stock in 17 distributor warehouses across the Bangka Belitung Islands stands at 4,137 tonnes, which is sufficient to meet the needs of the community in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Regency, Central Bangka, West Bangka, South Bangka, Belitung, and East Belitung.
“With this additional supply of 24.1 tonnes, the total rice stock this week reaches 4,161.1 tonnes, which is adequate to meet the community’s needs in this region,” he said.
He noted that this sufficient availability has a direct impact on stable retail prices, with demand remaining normal during the school holiday period.
He explained that retail rice prices in several traditional and modern markets in Pangkalpinang City remain stable, with the ‘cap sendok’ brand (medium quality) holding at Rp14,400 per kilogram, the ‘RM’ brand (premium) at Rp15,700 per kilogram, and Bulog SPHP rice at Rp12,600 per kilogram.
“Alhamdulillah, to date, rice stocks and prices remain safe and sufficient to meet the community’s needs,” he said.
According to him, in meeting the community’s rice needs, the regional government in the Bangka Belitung Islands still relies on supplies from outside the region, as local farmers’ rice production remains inadequate.
“Currently, local farmers’ rice production can only meet about 85 percent of the community’s needs, so we still require additional supply to maintain the stability of this commodity’s price,” he said.
Rice production in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province is recorded at approximately 38,115 tonnes per year, with South Bangka Regency being the largest contributor, producing around 26,507 tonnes.