From Grain to Plate: Bulog Ensures Uninterrupted Food Supply
In the paddy fields of Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, the harvest season brings renewed hope to local farmers. For Rahman, a local farmer, the current harvest is a relief from the previous uncertainties of fertiliser price hikes and unpredictable weather. He noted that Bulog has been purchasing his harvested paddy at favourable prices.
As South Sulawesi serves as a national food granary, the role of Perum Bulog is vital in ensuring that rice moves from the fields to the consumer’s table. Recently, the Vice Governor of South Sulawesi, Fatmawati Rusdi, attended a harvest festival in Pinrang, where she highlighted the region’s positive productivity trends and pledged continued government support through agricultural machinery and irrigation infrastructure improvements.
The Regent of Pinrang, Irwan Hamid, reported that paddy productivity in the regency averages 6-7 tonnes per hectare, with some areas reaching as high as 9-10 tonnes per hectare, supported by stable prices and accessible fertiliser.
For farmers like Nurdin, Bulog’s presence acts as a crucial safety net. He expressed relief that Bulog is actively absorbing the harvest, preventing the fear of surplus crops going unpurchased. Fahrurozi, the Regional Head of Perum Bulog for South and West Sulawesi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to purchasing paddy at the government-mandated price of Rp6,500 per kilogram for Dry Harvested Paddy (GKP), as per the National Food Agency’s regulations.
Bulog’s absorption efforts have been massive. Between January and May 2025, the regional office achieved a grain absorption of 712,960 tonnes, representing 509% of the initial target of 139,825 tonnes—the highest in the history of Bulog’s operations in the region. Consequently, rice stocks in South Sulawesi surged to approximately 761,000 tonnes, a significant increase from the normal level of 300,000 tonnes. By May 2026, stocks in South and West Sulawesi rose further to a record 895,000 tonnes.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, during an inspection of the Bulog warehouse in Makassar, confirmed this achievement, noting that South Sulawesi is a strategic hub for distributing rice to Eastern Indonesia, including Maluku, Kalimantan, and Papua. He stated that national stocks are currently at their highest level in history.
To combat food price fluctuations and extreme weather threats, Perum Bulog South-West Sulawesi has maintained the price of SPHP (Food Supply and Price Stabilisation) rice at Rp12,500 per kilogram. Karmila Hasmi, Deputy Leader of Perum Bulog South-West Sulawesi, explained that this policy aims to maintain price stability for consumers. The distribution of SPHP rice is carried out through Cheap Food Movements (GPM) in collaboration with local governments, the TNI, and the Police.
At Terong Market in Makassar, rice traders report strong sales for SPHP rice, noting that its affordability and good quality make it a preferred choice for residents.