Bulog Ensures Rice Stocks are Secure, Public Urged Not to Panic Buy

The government, through Perum Bulog, is holding the “Bazaar from the Palace for the People” programme as an effort to maintain price stability while ensuring the public does not panic over food security issues after Eid al-Fitr 2026. Bulog’s President Director, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, explained that the programme is driven by the need to safeguard market psychology and prevent excessive buying (panic buying). “So that the public doesn’t panic about a food crisis. As you all know, on one hand to avoid panic buying. And after Eid, the government still pays attention to the people so they can live comfortably and ensure prices remain affordable,” he said when met in Jakarta on Saturday (28/3). He emphasised that the national food situation, particularly rice, is secure and not significantly affected by global turbulence, including conflicts in the Middle East region. “So we in Indonesia, thank God, with food self-sufficiency, Indonesia’s food issues are not greatly impacted by Middle East problems,” he stated. Furthermore, Rizal assured that the current national rice stock is at a very adequate level. As of now, the rice reserves managed by Bulog are recorded at more than 4.2 million tonnes. “Thank God, our stocks are still safe. Today it’s already 4.2 million tonnes. Even more, 4.23 now. This is the highest stock throughout Indonesia’s independent history, so it can guarantee needs until the end of the year,” he revealed. With this condition, the government is optimistic that food availability will remain maintained, and the public can carry out post-Eid activities calmly without worries about price surges or shortages of basic necessities. In addition to rice availability, Bulog also ensures that cooking oil supplies remain stable. Bulog holds rice reserves of around 25,000 tonnes, which continue to move in line with the distribution process and absorption of paddy from farmers. The rice stock of Perum Bulog at the Meger Warehouse in Klaten is safe for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 H needs. In fact, the government reserve rice stock in this warehouse is safe until the end of 2026. He explained that the current available stock does not include that which will be harvested in the coming months. The government targets for strategic staple food prices to continue moving towards stable conditions post-Eid. With the stocks held, the government is able to pass through the drought emergency period, estimated to last only six months. The government continues to strengthen food price controls while ensuring that food stock availability remains safe and sufficient, especially ahead of Eid 2026. Zulkifli Hasan assures that national food stocks ahead of Ramadan and Eid are secure, prices are controlled, and domestic production is increasing.