BULOG Optimises Two Government Mandates to Control Rice Prices
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Perum BULOG continues to optimise two primary government instruments for controlling rice prices: the distribution of Stabilisation of Food Supply and Price (SPHP) rice and Food Assistance. These initiatives aim to strengthen supply while ensuring rice remains affordable for the public. Supported by robust stocks and a national warehousing network, both programmes are being deployed extensively from Sabang to Merumke as part of the government’s efforts to maintain food stability across Indonesia.
SPHP and Food Assistance operate through two complementary channels. SPHP strengthens rice supply at the consumer level through various distribution channels, while Food Assistance directly reaches eligible recipients to help meet household food needs. Through this pattern, the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) stocks are not merely stored in warehouses but are actively circulated to ensure benefits reach the community and to support efforts in maintaining the balance of rice supply and prices.
If all targets and allocations for 2026 are calculated—including 828,000 tonnes of SPHP rice, an additional 1 million tonnes of SPHP, and Food Assistance for February–March, July–September, and October–December—the scale of government mandates through the CBP in 2026 will approach 4.5 million tonnes. This large volume demonstrates the capacity of the CBP being deployed to strengthen market supply and support food access for tens of millions of beneficiary families across Indonesia.
The scale of mandates in 2026 is set to increase significantly. The initial distribution target for SPHP is set at 828,000 tonnes, while the Food Assistance for the February–March period has a ceiling of 664,888 tonnes, and the July–September period reaches 997,332 tonnes. With the addition of 1 million tonnes of SPHP and Food Assistance for October, November, and December—estimated to reach approximately 997,000 tonnes—the use of CBP will be higher than in previous years.
The President Director of Perum BULOG, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Dr Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, emphasised that BULOG is ready to execute these mandates, supported by strong rice stocks distributed across the warehousing network throughout Indonesia.
“We are ready to support the government’s efforts to maintain the stability of rice supply and prices. With stocks of approximately 4.6 million tonnes, we continue to mobilise this stock for the community. As of 16 September, the realisation of SPHP has reached 709,593 tonnes or 96.57 per cent, Food Assistance for February–March reached approximately 662,867 tonnes, and Food Assistance for July–September reached approximately 618,581 tonnes. Overall, about 2.08 million tonnes of rice have been distributed through these three mandates,” said Rizal.
According to Rizal, this readiness will continue to be strengthened heading into the end-of-year period, including the Christmas and New Year momentum, as well as anticipation for a dry season that is predicted to be drier and longer.
“The government is giving full attention to rice availability. Therefore, SPHP has received an additional allocation of 1 million tonnes, while Food Assistance will continue for October–December with an estimated requirement of around 997,000 tonnes. BULOG is ready to implement this with the support of stocks and distribution networks spread across all regions,” he continued.
With strong stocks and ongoing distribution, the public is expected not to worry about rice availability. The government has the capacity to continue mobilising the CBP as needed, with SPHP being strengthened to maintain affordable rice supplies, while Food Assistance serves as direct support for beneficiary families.
BULOG is committed to optimally executing all government mandates by maintaining stock readiness, accelerating distribution, expanding distribution reach, and ensuring that the CBP can be mobilised precisely according to the needs of each region. Through the optimisation of SPHP and Food Assistance as two primary instruments, BULOG will continue to support government efforts to maintain the availability, affordability, and stability of rice prices, ensuring food is increasingly accessible to the community.