BULOG and Bapanas Accelerate Rice Aid Distribution in Riau

Perum BULOG, in collaboration with the National Food Agency (Bapanques), continues to accelerate the distribution of Rice Food Assistance for the July-September 2026 allocation. This strategic move is part of an effort to expedite the implementation of government policies to maintain public food access in Riau Province.

The distribution of this aid was led directly by the Minister of Agriculture and Head of Bapanas, Andi Amran Sulaiman, alongside the President Director of Perum BULOG, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani. Both officials handed over the food assistance at the Marpoyan Damai District Office in Pekanbaru City. The event was also attended by the Acting Governor of Riau, the Commander of the XIX/Tuanku Tambusai Military District, and the Regional Police Chief of Riau.

The rice food assistance allocation for the July-September 2026 period in Riau Province is intended for 619,290 Food Assistance Recipients (PBP). The total volume of rice released to meet the needs of the region reaches 18,578,700 kilograms. Specifically for the Pekanbaru City area, assistance is distributed to 60,478 recipients, totalling 1,814,340 kilograms.

Distribution in the Marpoyan Damai District alone reached 8,313 recipients with a quantum of 249,390 kilograms of rice. This figure includes a specific allocation for the Tangkerang Tengah Village, which comprises 2,512 recipients. The total realisation of the July-September allocation in Pekanbaru City has reached 50 per cent as of 16 September 2026.

Minister of Agriculture and Head of Bapanas, Andi Amran Sulaiman, stated that the presence of central government representatives is a form of commitment to ensuring the smooth distribution of aid.

“We are here to carry out the government’s assignment to distribute Rice Food Assistance to the community. By order of the President, food assistance is being distributed throughout Indonesia to 33.4 million recipients, including 619,000 recipients in Riau Province. This is a form of the government’s attention to the Indonesian people, and BULOG is ready to ensure that this assistance is well-distributed to those entitled to receive it,” Amran said in a written statement on Thursday (17/9/2026).

The President Director of Perum BULOG, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, ensured his institution’s full readiness in overseeing the strategic national food distribution assignment.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this food assistance is a contribution from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, distributed to the community, particularly families within deciles 1 to 4. This assistance is a form of the government’s care and concern for the people. Therefore, this food assistance continues to be distributed so that it can be received and provide benefits for families in need,” Rizal emphasised.

This acceleration agenda was accompanied by a series of public lecture activities at the Muhammadiyah University of Riau. State officials also participated in the symbolic planting of coconut, pineapple, and corn seedlings. This massive effort is specifically designed to encourage the strengthening of domestic production and food security.

The collaboration between Bapanas and BULOG is believed to be able to maintain the stability of the food ecosystem from upstream to downstream. The government ensures that this Rice Food Assistance programme will continue for the October to late December 2026 allocation. BULOG is fully committed to maintaining stock availability, rice quality, and smooth distribution across all regions.