Bulog East Java Forms Special Task Force to Prevent Misuse of SPHP Programme

Surabaya (ANTARA) — Perum Bulog’s East Java Regional Office has formed a special task force to strengthen oversight and prevent irregularities in the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme. The task force will also organise and evaluate its distribution partner network, including Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK) outlets.

Langgeng Wisnu A, head of Bulog’s East Java Regional Office, said in a statement in Surabaya on Friday that the office stressed the importance of all partners complying with rules on distribution and selling prices, and with the ban on misuse of commodities supplied as part of the government programme.

“Through more intensive oversight and phased evaluations, Bulog East Java aims to ensure that SPHP rice distribution is more orderly, transparent and well targeted, while minimising the risk of irregularities at every stage of the distribution chain,” he said.

He said the measures to bring distribution into line and improve the system were part of efforts to safeguard the effectiveness of the SPHP programme, which plays a strategic role in supporting national rice supply and price stability.

“Bulog’s East Java Regional Office is committed to carrying out its government mandate optimally, guided by the principles of prudence, accountability and protection of the public interest,” he said.

He said stronger oversight was important to maintaining the integrity of the SPHP programme and ensuring that all distribution partners fulfilled their responsibilities in accordance with the applicable rules.

“This strengthened oversight demonstrates Bulog’s commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring that SPHP rice distribution is orderly, transparent and well targeted,” he said.

Previously, Perum Bulog moved swiftly to take firm and measured action in response to suspected misuse of rice from the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation programme by individual distribution partners in the Matraman area and at the Cipinang Rice Wholesale Market in East Jakarta.

As part of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the government mandate, Bulog promptly took steps to bring distribution into line, strengthen oversight and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of SPHP rice distribution mechanisms, to ensure the food stabilisation programme genuinely benefits the public.