Government distributes rice aid to 33.2 million recipients
Nganjuk (ANTARA) – The government is distributing free rice assistance to 33.2 million recipients in deciles 1 to 4 for three months—October, November and December 2026—with an allocation of 30 kilograms per recipient.
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan said the President had approved the food assistance to help low-income communities meet their food needs.
“There are 33.2 million recipients. The amount of rice is one million tonnes,” he said on Sunday during a distribution event in Kwagean village, Loceret district, Nganjuk regency, East Java.
He explained that rice assistance would be provided free of charge to eligible recipients. The distribution for October to December 2026 is intended for people in deciles 1 to 4.
“To ensure that people can continue to meet their food needs, the government has decided to distribute rice assistance to people in deciles 1 to 4. Each recipient will receive 30 kilograms of rice for the three-month allocation,” he said.
Langgeng Wisnu Adinugroho, regional head of Perum Bulog’s East Java office, said Bulog was preparing stocks and optimising distribution to support the smooth delivery of the assistance in the province.
“We are committed to ensuring that the entire distribution process runs well, from having rice ready in the warehouses to its receipt by eligible members of the public,” he said.
He added that coordination with local governments and other parties was continuing to ensure the assistance was delivered on time and in the amounts specified.
The third phase of food assistance distribution is part of the government’s efforts to safeguard the public’s rice supply through to the end of 2026.
The programme is expected not only to help beneficiary families but also to ease household expenses amid fluctuating food prices.
During his visit, Zulkifli was accompanied by Nganjuk Regent Marhaen Djumadi, Kediri branch head of Perum Bulog Harisun, several members of the House of Representatives and the East Java Provincial Legislative Council, as well as other guests.
As well as handing out food assistance to residents, Zulkifli symbolically provided aid to orphans and online motorcycle taxi drivers.
Residents welcomed the assistance enthusiastically. They said they were grateful for help meeting their food needs amid relatively high rice prices.