Deputy National Police Chief Assures Public of Adequate National Food Stock; Citizens Urged to Avoid Panic Buying
Deputy National Police Chief Komjen Dedi Prasetyo has assured the nation of adequate food availability ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, urging the public not to engage in panic buying as staple supplies are guaranteed to be sufficient and are being distributed extensively by the government.
Prasetyo made this statement during the Cheap Food Movement (Gerakan Pangan Murah) programme, jointly organised by the National Police and state-owned logistics company Perum Bulog at Bulog’s Regional Office headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026). The programme is designed to ensure national food stocks are available in adequate quantities.
“This activity aims to assure the public that national food stocks are in a safe condition. In other words, citizens need not panic because the availability of national food stocks is sufficient,” said Prasetyo.
Through the Cheap Food Movement initiative, the National Police distributed approximately 1,337,375 kilogrammes—equivalent to 1,337 tons—of rice to the public across Indonesia. In addition to rice, essential commodities including sugar, cooking oil and flour were also distributed.
The distribution was carried out through Metro Jaya Regional Police Command and police headquarters and stations throughout various regions nationwide. A total of 36 regional police commands and approximately 500 district police stations across Indonesia participated in the Cheap Food Movement.
Prasetyo explained that the distribution represents a coordinated effort between the National Police and Bulog to maintain the stability of staple commodity supplies and prices within the community.
Through this measure, the National Police sought to ensure not only that food availability remained secure but also that price stability was maintained so that essential goods remained affordable for the public.
“We guarantee that food availability is sufficient. Price stability is also a crucial component so that everything remains affordable for the public,” he said.
Perum Bulog Chief Executive Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani stated on the same occasion that the Cheap Food Movement forms part of the government’s coordinated effort to maintain food supply and price stability ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Bulog reported that current national rice stocks have reached approximately 3.9 million tons. According to Ramdhani, this represents the highest level recorded in March throughout Indonesian history.
“We report to the public, and particularly to our media colleagues, that national rice stocks as of today have reached 3.9 million tons. This is the highest condition in March since Indonesian independence,” said Ramdhani.
This figure is projected to increase to more than 4.2 million tons by the end of March 2026. Consequently, he assured that national food availability would remain secure and the public need not be concerned about staple supply shortages ahead of Lebaran.
“This will ensure food stability through to year-end; we guarantee it. Essentially, Bulog and the state are ready to support public preparations for Eid al-Fitr to the maximum extent possible,” Ramdhani stated.
“Therefore, I am confident that stocks are sufficient, and we respectfully request that panic buying does not occur in this instance. Since the situation is under control and logistics are secure, there is no need for excessive precautionary measures,” he added.