Bulog proposes rice distribution in kind for civil servants and security forces
Perum Bulog has proposed the optimisation of government rice reserves (CBP) through a scheme to distribute rice in kind to civil servants (ASN), as well as members of the TNI and Polri. This move is intended to strengthen national food distribution and maintain price stability within the community.
During a working meeting with Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Tuesday, the President Director of Perum Bulogi, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, stated that this proposal is a strategic step to ensure that the government’s rice stocks, which are currently in a very strong position, are utilised optimally and effectively.
“With the national rice stock in sufficient condition, Bulog proposes the use of CBP rice for the needs of ASN, TNI, and Polri through an in-kind scheme,” said Rizal. He noted that as of mid-May 2024, the CBP stocks managed by the state-owned food enterprise reached over 5.3 million tonnes, marking one of the highest achievements in the history of government rice reserve management.
Under this proposal, the distribution of rice in kind for ASN, TNI, and Polri is projected to reach approximately 2.8 million tonnes per year, using the government rice reserves managed by Bulog. According to Rizal, the scheme would have a dual impact: strengthening the utilisation of stocks sourced from domestic absorption and ensuring the continuity of paddy and rice procurement from farmers amidst increasing national production.
In addition to the in-kind distribution, Bulog also proposed optimising the use of CBP rice as a raw material for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, which has a potential requirement of around 1.5 million tonnes per year.
“This step is part of a strategy to maintain the balance between absorbing farmers’ harvests, strengthening government food reserves, and ensuring the targeted distribution of rice to the public,” Rizal added. Bulog maintains that strengthening distribution through various strategic channels is essential to maintain stock quality, bolster government food reserves, and ensure that rice distribution remains effective and measurable.