BULOG Strengthens Public Education on Rice Quality Standards
Perum BULOG is strengthening education for the public regarding rice quality standards. This initiative is designed to enable consumers to accurately differentiate between premium and medium-grade rice.
This step also emphasises that rice categories are not solely determined by whiteness, glossy appearance, brand, or packaging claims, but are based on quality parameters established by the government. The President Director of Perum BULOG, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, stated that understanding rice quality is essential so that the public obtains products consistent with the information on labels and the prices paid.
“Premium rice is not merely rice that looks white, clean, or glossy. The determination of quality classes must refer to measurable and testable parameters. Through this education, we want to help the public become more discerning consumers and ensure that the quality of the rice purchased matches its class and price,” said Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani in a statement on Friday (31/07/2026).
Based on the National Food Agency Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning Rice Quality Requirements and Labelling, distributed rice must meet specifications regarding milling degree, moisture content, broken grains, small grains, other rice grains, and paddy grains. This regulation categorises rice into premium and medium grades.
For the premium category, quality requirements include a minimum milling degree of 95 per cent, a maximum moisture content of 14 per cent, maximum small grains of 0.5 per cent, maximum broken grains of 15 per cent, a maximum of 1 per cent for other rice grains, and the absence of paddy grains and foreign matter. For medium-grade rice, the milling degree and moisture content requirements are the same, but with higher tolerances: maximum small grains of 2 per cent, maximum broken grains of 25 per cent, a maximum of 4 per cent for other rice grains, and a maximum of one paddy grain per 100 grams.
“The difference between premium and medium is primarily visible in the grain composition. Therefore, consumers need to examine the rice thoroughly, read the packaging information, ensure product labels are clear, and purchase from trusted traders or distribution channels,” he continued.
This education is also part of consumer protection to ensure alignment between quality, labelling, and the Maximum Retail Price (HET) set by the government. Under current HET regulations, the maximum price for rice is determined by distribution zones.
In Zone 1, which includes Java, Lampung, South Sumatra, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi, the HET for medium rice is Rp13,500 per kilogram and premium rice is Rp14,900 per kilogram. In Zone 2, covering Sumatra (excluding Lampung and South Sumatra), Kalimantan, and East Nusa Tenggara, the HET for medium rice is Rp14,000 per kilogram and premium rice is Rp15,400 per kilogram. Meanwhile, in Zone 3, which includes Maluku and Papua, the HET for medium rice is Rp15,500 per kilogram and premium rice is Rp15,800 per kilogram.
BULOG believes that literacy regarding rice quality needs to be continuously expanded through various communication channels so that the public does not rely solely on physical appearance. This aligns with public feedback for BULOG to play a role in providing simple understanding regarding national rice quality standards and the differences between rice classes.
“With more open information, the public can compare products more objectively and obtain quality commensurate with the price paid. At the same time, business actors who trade honestly and in accordance with regulations will also receive protection,” Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani asserted.
Moving forward, BULOG will continue to synergise with the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, relevant agencies, local governments, business actors, and other stakeholders to strengthen the supervision and education of rice quality. This effort is expected to maintain public trust, create transparent rice trade, and ensure consumers obtain food that is safe, high-quality, and in accordance with government regulations.