Deputy Chief of Commission IV Parliament Urges Swift Distribution of Food Assistance to 33.2 Million Families

Jakarta – Deputy Head of Commission IV of the Indonesian Parliament, Alex Indra Lukman, has assessed that the government’s food assistance programme (Bapang) distributing rice and cooking oil for February and March 2026 is highly anticipated by 33.2 million families across Indonesia.

He emphasised that the provision of 20 kg of rice and 4 litres of cooking oil ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2025 M is particularly meaningful for millions of beneficiary families (KPM).

“Rice and cooking oil stocks face no obstacles. The supply quantities are entirely adequate. We call upon the government, specifically the National Food Agency (Bapanas), to cease delaying the distribution of the Bapang programme for February and March 2026,” said Alex in a written statement issued on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Alex explained that the food assistance distribution comprising rice and cooking oil is conducted in a single delivery covering a two-month allocation for February and March 2026. This arrangement was agreed upon during a meeting chaired by the Ministry of Economic Coordination.

The number of beneficiary families (KPM) has been expanded to target households in income deciles I through IV, mirroring the approach used for the Temporary Direct Cash Assistance for People’s Welfare programme (BLTS Kesra).

“Rice weighing 10 kg along with 2 litres of cooking oil per month will certainly help moderate price fluctuations during Ramadhan, particularly as Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026 M draws nearer,” said Alex.

“This Bapang programme is eagerly awaited by prospective beneficiaries. Do not allow KPM to wait for government promises over extended periods,” he added.

The number of beneficiary families receiving food assistance in 2026 has increased by 81.9 per cent compared to the previous programme, which covered 18.2 million families monthly.

In terms of quantity, for the two-month simultaneous distribution, Bulog, the agency tasked with implementation, will release rice stocks totalling 664,800 tonnes and cooking oil of 132,900 kilolitres.

To implement this pro-people programme, the government has allocated a budget of Rp11.92 trillion.

According to Alex, the Bapang programme is vital because it will help maintain stable prices for essential commodities. It also assists beneficiary families during Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr whilst supporting broader public purchasing power.

For reference, the Bapang programme implemented by Bapanas and Bulog in 2025 was carried out in two stages.