Indonesian Parliament Member Inspects Rice Stock at Bulog Kolaka Warehouse

Affordable markets are very much needed to lighten the burden on the community, especially for those with incomes below average. Kolaka (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR) RI, Bahtra Banong, checked the rice stock at the Perum Bulog Kolaka warehouse to ensure the availability of the national rice reserve (CBP) and food price stability in the region. “We received direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to check Bulog warehouses. The aim is to ensure food stocks are safe amid the global situation that is triggering rises in commodity prices,” said Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR RI, Bahtra Banong, during a working visit to Bulog Kolaka on Friday. Bahtra emphasised that the public need not worry or engage in bulk buying (panic buying), as the national food reserve is ensured to be available for projections over the next few years. “Alhamdulillah, our food stocks are abundant, especially in Greater Kolaka. So the most important thing is that we want to convey to the public that in such situations, there is no need to panic. Our food availability is guaranteed,” he stated. Bahtra also encouraged Bulog Kolaka to produce innovations, such as organising affordable markets periodically at strategic points in the region. “Affordable markets are very much needed to lighten the burden on the community, especially for those with incomes below average,” Bahtra added. Meanwhile, the Head of the Bulog Kolaka Branch, Ardiansyah, revealed that there is currently a stock of 18,793 tonnes of rice in their warehouse. This amount is predicted to continue increasing along with the harvest season. Ardiansyah mentioned that regarding price stability, his side continues to collaborate with the local government through the Food Security Agency as well as the TNI-Polri to hold affordable markets periodically at strategic points. His side also routinely distributes Stabilisation of Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) rice and cooking oil to traditional markets as well as traders outside the market. The SPHP programme is considered effective in curbing inflation rates because traders are required to sell according to the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the government.