Bulog West Java strengthens 5kg premium rice stocks to tackle retail shortages
Perum Bulog West Java Regional Office is strengthening the supply of 5kg premium packaged rice to several modern retail networks to overcome supply constraints caused by a surge in paddy prices at the supplier level, which have exceeded the Maximum Retail Price (HET).
To maintain the stability of rice availability in West Java, Bulog is optimising paddy processing at the Karawang and Subang Rice Milling Centres (SPP), relying on an initial stock of approximately 3,000 tonnes of Harvested Dry Paddy (GKP) ready for production.
“Bulog is not only providing medium-quality SPHP rice, but also premium rice which is already available in various modern retail networks, making it more accessible to the public,” said the Regional Head of Perum Bulog West Java, Nurman Susilo, in a statement in Bandung on Tuesday.
This intervention distinguishes Bulog’s market presence, as premium rice brands such as Punokawan and Befood Setra Ramos are supplied directly to local and national retail outlets, including Yogya Group, Yomart Group, Borma Group, Indomaret, and Indogrosir.
This massive distribution, Nurman noted, is a response to consumer complaints regarding the relative difficulty of finding 5kg premium rice packages on minimarket shelves, even though national rice stocks are confirmed to be secure.
Regarding raw material supply, Bulog West Java ensures that paddy absorption continues consistently to strengthen rice reserves until the end of 2026.
The public is urged to avoid panic buying or hoarding rice, as food availability in the West Java region is being actively maintained through intensive monitoring and the strengthening of distribution channels.
Nissa, a resident of West Bandung, admitted to difficulty finding 5kg rice in modern retail stores due to stockouts. “At Borma Cihanjuang, I went looking for rice yesterday and was told it was out of stock and no new shipment had arrived for two weeks; eventually, I had to go to a small retailer,” Nissa said.