Head of National Food Agency and Bulog CEO review aid distribution for NTT earthquake victims

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, together with the CEO of state logistics firm Perum Bulog Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, have reviewed conditions and the distribution of food aid to communities affected by the earthquake on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Amran, as confirmed in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, stressed that the government is present to ensure the basic needs of disaster-affected communities continue to be met.

“Based on the directive of the President (Prabowo Subianto), we are ensuring that communities affected by the earthquake receive the food assistance they need. The government and Bulog continue to move and ensure that aid reaches the public,” said Amran.

The Head of Bapanas and the Bulog CEO went directly to the affected location in Reok District, Manggarai Regency. Both greeted residents, held discussions with locals, and ensured that aid prepared by the government could be received by the public through disaster management posts.

The review was carried out to ensure that government assistance through Perum Bulog could be distributed quickly and accurately to those in need, while also observing first-hand the condition of communities after the disaster in several affected areas.

In handling the Flores earthquake, the government through Perum Bulog has deployed the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) and cooking oil to support the food needs of affected communities.

Based on data as of 19 August 2026, Bulog has realised the distribution of 207 tonnes of CBP rice and 6,000 litres of cooking oil for disaster management. This amount will continue to grow as aid deliveries are still ongoing.

The assistance has been distributed to several affected areas, including Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ngada, Nagekeo, Sikka, Ende and West Manggarai regencies.

Previously, Bulog had also distributed rice aid to Manggarai Regency and Nagekeo Regency as part of the government’s rapid response in meeting the food needs of affected communities.

Amran asked the public not to worry about rice availability for disaster management needs or general public needs. According to him, the government’s rice stock is currently in a very sufficient condition so that the food needs of the public can continue to be met.

“As for rice stock, the amount is very large. So there is no problem. The public does not need to worry; the government ensures that rice needs remain available, including for communities affected by the disaster,” Amran stressed.

Meanwhile, Perum Bulog CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani affirmed that his agency is ready to fully support the government in disaster management in NTT, particularly in ensuring the availability and smooth distribution of food for affected communities.

“Bulog is ready to move quickly to support the government in meeting the food needs of disaster-affected communities. We continue to coordinate with local governments and relevant parties so that aid distribution can be carried out quickly, on target, and in accordance with needs on the ground,” said Rizal.

After reviewing the condition of communities in Reok District, the Head of Bapanas and the Bulog CEO then moved to the logistics warehouse of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) together with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The review was conducted to ensure the availability and condition of logistics aid for affected communities in the NTT region, particularly East Manggarai and Labuan Bajo, remain safe and under control and ready to be distributed according to needs on the ground.

Rizal further stressed that his agency continues to monitor developments in affected areas and prepare phased aid distribution.

“The aid that has been distributed is part of Bulog’s support during the emergency response period. We will continue to ensure the availability of aid and strengthen coordination so that affected communities can obtain the food they need,” he said.

To support disaster management while maintaining food availability in the NTT region, Bulog has confirmed current rice stocks of 35,000 tonnes.

In addition, Bulog has also prepared an additional stock of 40,000 tonnes to be mobilised from West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and East Java to strengthen food availability in affected areas.

The additional stock is an anticipatory measure by Bulog to ensure the food needs of the public continue to be met while maintaining stock availability in the NTT region during the emergency response period and post-disaster recovery process.

Bulog will continue to coordinate with local governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), BNPB, BPBD, and other relevant parties to accelerate aid distribution to affected areas.

The distribution process is carried out in stages, taking into account the accessibility of areas, the condition of communities, and developments in the post-disaster situation.