Bapanas confirms SPHP rice prices will not rise despite US dollar fluctuations

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has confirmed that prices for rice under the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme will not increase despite US dollar exchange rate fluctuations, to ensure food affordability and supply stability for the nation. “The impact of a stronger US dollar will not affect SPHP rice prices,” said Maino Dwi Hartono, SPHP Director at Bapanas, in Jakarta on Thursday. He stated the policy reflects the government’s support for citizens under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, following the earlier decision to maintain subsidized fuel prices. “This allows the public to remain calm,” he added. The government also ensures SPHP rice quality is maintained by Perum Bulog, ensuring citizens receive high-quality rice at affordable prices. “While US dollar fluctuations can impact various sectors, including food, SPHP rice prices remain unchanged as it is a government programme,” Maino explained. Bapanas has set SPHP rice prices at Rp12,500 per kilogram for consumers in Java, Lampung, South Sumatra, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi. For other Sumatran regions (excluding Lampung and South Sumatra), East Nusa Tenggara, and Kalimantan, the price is Rp13,100 per kg, while in Maluku and Papua, the maximum price is Rp13,500 per kg. The 2026 SPHP rice programme has a budget of Rp4.97 trillion, equivalent to subsidies for approximately 828,000 tonnes of rice for the public. “This ensures continuity of the SPHP rice programme, which began in January and February 2026 as an extension of the 2025 initiative,” he added. Bapanas has also introduced new regulations on maximum SPHP rice purchases for consumers. Consumers can purchase up to five 5kg packs or two 2kg packs, with resale prohibited due to the national subsidy component. “We have considered our fellow citizens, such as fried rice vendors, nasi uduk sellers, and small eateries. Limiting to just two packs would be insufficient for them,” Maino explained. Additionally, the government has increased the transaction limit for Perum Bulog partners from 2 to 5 tonnes in 2026 to facilitate SPHP rice distribution. “This ensures smoother distribution, easier stock access for traders, and consistent market availability,” Maino added. Previously, Bapanas Chief and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed Indonesia’s rice self-sufficiency and warned food mafia groups manipulating prices and creating market anomalies. Government Rice Reserve (CBP) managed by Perum Bulog currently stands at 5.3 million tonnes, the highest in history, serving as a key instrument for maintaining rice price stability, including through the SPHP programme.