Bulog: Staple Food Stocks in Kotawaringin Barat Region Secure
Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - The head of Perum Bulog’s branch in Kotawaringin Barat Regency (Kobar), Central Kalimantan (Kalteng), Ricky Bagus, has assured that stocks of staple goods (bapok) or strategic food items in the region are monitored and secure for the next six months.
“Current stocks in our warehouses include 1,300 tonnes of rice, 61 tonnes of sugar, and 177 tonnes of cooking oil; these amounts are confirmed to be sufficient for the next six months,” said Ricky Bagus in Pangkalan Bun, Kobar, on Saturday.
He stated that despite global issues and the current increase in fuel oil (BBM) prices, prices for Bulog’s staple commodities remain stable with no increases.
“Rice prices at Bulog are currently Rp15,400 per kilogram for premium rice, Rp13,100 per kilogram for SPHP rice, and Rp15,700 per litre for cooking oil,” he mentioned.
Ricky revealed an increase in public demand for cooking oil and sugar staples.
“Demand in the market has started to rise, but the price increase is actually influenced by the rising cost of plastic packaging; however, from our side, prices for these two commodities remain stable, so the public need not worry,” he explained.
Bulog also urged the public not to panic over stocks and prices of staples in Kobar. According to him, if panic occurs, it could trigger price increases.
“Because panic leads to people rushing to buy goods, and if supplies are limited while demand surges, prices will naturally rise,” he stated.
Additionally, to strengthen local food self-sufficiency, Bulog is collaborating with the Kobar Regency Government through the Affordable Food Movement (GPM) programme.
“We coordinate with the Kobar Food Security Agency (DKP), so whenever there is a request for GPM, we are always ready wherever needed,” he explained.
Ricky added that in implementing food aid distribution, it is not limited to Kobar alone.
“But also for Lamandau Regency and Sukamara Regency, with a total allocation of 240 tonnes, including 162 tonnes for Kobar, 44 tonnes for Lamandau, and 33 tonnes for Sukamara,” said Ricky Bagus.