Maluku Police Distribute Free Rice to 1,000 Ambon Residents
Ambon — The Maluku Regional Police distributed free rice assistance to 1,000 residents in Poka Village and surrounding areas of Ambon City as part of the Police Affordable Food Movement, a nationally coordinated initiative by the Indonesian National Police.
“We distributed five tonnes of rice packaged in five-kilogramme portions to low-income residents. In addition to rice, residents also received sugar and cooking oil free of charge,” said Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Dadang Hartanto in Ambon on Monday.
The distribution was centralised at the grounds of Poka 2 Public Primary School and was led directly by the Maluku Police Chief, who participated in the nationwide activity via video conference with police leadership across Indonesia, coordinated by the Deputy National Police Chief from Jakarta.
The Police Chief stated that the programme forms part of the Indonesian National Police’s commitment to assist residents in meeting food needs whilst maintaining stability in essential commodity prices.
“Through this Affordable Food Movement, the Police wish to be directly present in supporting society, particularly in ensuring the availability and affordability of essential goods. This rice assistance is expected to ease the burden on residents,” he said.
He added that the programme also demonstrates the Police’s concern for public welfare and represents coordination with local government and relevant agencies in maintaining food security.
The Maluku Police Chief was accompanied by the Deputy Regional Police Chief, the Regional Police Inspector, the Head of Perum Bulog Maluku Region, the Head of the Maluku Provincial Industry and Trade Office, senior officials of the Maluku Regional Police, and the Head of Poka Village.
In addition to food assistance distribution, the Medical and Health Division of the Maluku Regional Police also provided free health services to residents around the activity location. These health services included general health examinations, medical consultations, and free medication for residents in need.
All activities of the Affordable Food Movement, including the distribution of basic foodstuffs and free health services carried out by the Maluku Regional Police alongside Perum Bulog Maluku Region, proceeded safely and orderly and received a positive response from the community.
“This programme is expected to help maintain the stability of essential goods whilst strengthening the Police’s proximity to the community,” he concluded.