Bulog forms special task force to tighten oversight of SPHP rice distribution
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Perum Bulog has formed a special task force to tighten oversight of rice distribution under the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme and ensure that partner evaluations are conducted transparently, so that supplies reach the public as intended.
“Bulog has a major responsibility to ensure that every government assignment is carried out properly and brings tangible benefits to the public,” Perum Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said in Jakarta on Thursday.
Bulog has moved swiftly to take firm and measured action in response to suspected misuse of SPHP rice by distribution partners in the Matraman area and at the Cipinang Rice Market in East Jakarta.
As part of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of government assignments, the state-owned food company has begun corrective measures, strengthened oversight and undertaken a comprehensive review of SPHP rice distribution mechanisms to ensure the food stabilisation programme genuinely benefits the public.
The company has suspended six Bulog employees as part of its internal response and further investigations.
The administrative measure is intended to ensure that the evaluation process is objective, transparent and accountable, without prejudging the findings.
As a strategic step to strengthen distribution controls, Bulog has also established a Special Task Force to regulate the distribution of Government Rice Reserves (CBP).
“The establishment of this task force reflects the company’s commitment to building a stricter, integrated and sustainable oversight system across all its operational areas,” Rizal said.
He said the task force would strengthen monitoring of distribution channels, assess distributor compliance and ensure that every stage of government rice distribution follows the rules, preventing potential misuse at the earliest opportunity.
Rizal stressed that any issues arising during the implementation of government assignments must be handled professionally and treated as a shared concern as the company seeks to improve its governance.
He said all information and findings on the ground were being treated seriously, objectively and in accordance with regulations.
“The evaluation and corrective measures we are taking are part of our commitment to strengthening integrity, discipline and the quality of oversight in implementing the government’s food programmes,” he said.
Rizal also emphasised the importance of improving control systems and ensuring that all Bulog personnel take responsibility for the proper implementation of the SPHP programme.
“I have instructed all Bulog personnel, at head office, regional offices and branches, to further improve discipline, diligence and oversight at every stage of distribution,” Rizal said.
He added that the task force was one of the measures intended to make the programme’s implementation more orderly and measurable.
“Our principle is to ensure that SPHP rice is distributed in accordance with the rules, that the stipulated prices are maintained, and that the public genuinely benefits,” Rizal said.
The strengthened oversight will also involve organising and evaluating the network of distribution partners, including Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK), one of the channels through which SPHP rice reaches the public.
Bulog stressed that all partners must comply with distribution and selling-price rules and with the prohibition on misusing commodities supplied as part of government programmes.
Through more intensive oversight and reviews at successive levels, Bulog aims to make SPHP rice distribution more orderly, transparent and targeted, while minimising the risk of irregularities at every stage of the supply chain.
Bulog said the corrective measures were also intended to preserve the effectiveness of the SPHP programme, which plays a strategic role in supporting national rice supply and price stability.
The company is committed to carrying out its government assignments effectively, guided by prudence, accountability and the protection of the public interest.
It also supports law enforcement efforts by the relevant authorities and is ready to provide information as required, so that any suspected violations can be investigated objectively and resolved.