Bulog North Sumatra increases SPHP rice distribution quota to maintain price stability

Medan (ANTARA) - Perum Bulog’s North Sumatra Regional Office has increased the quota for distributing Stabilisasi Pasokan dan Harga Pangan (SPHP) rice to maintain price stability in the region. “We are increasing the distribution of SPHP rice to around 700 tonnes per day from the previous 300 tonnes per day in the market,” said the Regional Head of Perum Bulog North Sumatra, Budi Cahyanto, in Medan on Monday. Budi explained that the increased distribution of SPHP rice to several partners is due to the potential for rice price increases triggered by market paddy prices reaching Rp7,500 per kilogram. Furthermore, he noted that other potential factors stem from harvests in several areas of North Sumatra that have not yet been optimal. In addition, some regions are still in the recovery phase following disasters, such as Central Tapanuli Regency and Langkat Regency. He added that the intensified distribution of SPHP rice to various partners has reached 24,753 tonnes since January up to 4 April 2026. Budi stated that the distribution is carried out through several partners, including the Cheap Food Movement Programme (GPM), retailers in people’s markets, government-supported food outlets, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) operating in the food sector. Meanwhile, for pricing, Budi said the provisions still refer to the highest retail price (HET) of Rp13,100 per kilogram. Budi added that current warehouse stocks in North Sumatra reach 56,400 tonnes as an effort to strengthen food security in the region. “That stock is sufficient to meet food assistance, SPHP rice, and other needs. Moreover, we are continuously procuring paddy from farmers,” he said.