Premium Rice Scarcity Reported in Bandung Raya Retail Outlets
The Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) of West Java has reported that the availability of premium rice in retail outlets across West Java is becoming scarce. This condition is suspected to be caused by limited supply from rice-delivering distributors.
Observations in several retail outlets in the Sariwasting area, Parongpong District, West Bandung Regency, show that premium rice stocks are unavailable. This includes minimarkets such as Alfamart, Oi Save, and Yomatt.
The Chairman of Aprindo West Java, Yudi Hartanto, stated that he has received reports from several regional members indicating a decline in premium rice availability. He suspects this is due to supply constraints from distributors.
“There is indeed a decrease in stock availability in several of our members’ outlets, particularly for premium rice. Based on our monitoring, this is likely caused by limited supply from suppliers,” he said when contacted by journalists on Monday (28/09/2026).
He explained that several distributors who usually supply rice to retail stores have reduced or even ceased regular deliveries. Consequently, his organisation is currently relying more heavily on supplies from Bulog.
However, Yudi noted that the volume and frequency of rice distribution from Bulog have not been sufficient to meet sales requirements for the foreseeable future. He stated that stock availability is limited because the supply chain from suppliers to retail networks has been disrupted.
“For example, Bulog sends what should last for a week, but it runs out in just two to three days. If the weekly requirement is, for instance, 400 packs (5kg packaging), currently we are only receiving 100, 150, or 200 packs—averaging a maximum of 50 per cent,” he said.
Yudi continued, noting that while distributors used to supply rice weekly, they are now only delivering for two to three days at a time. “So, the assumption is that supply is around 25 to 30 per cent. The decline is around 60 to 70 per cent.”
Yudi added that Aprindo currently has 33 retail members in West Java, along with 21 wholesalers. Regarding the current situation, he admitted that the exact cause is still being investigated by checking with suppliers and distributors.
“There are many aspects we do not yet understand, such as why the rice suddenly ran out. The government states that rice is actually available, but it seems mostly medium-grade. For modern supermarkets and retail outlets, only premium rice is permitted to be sold, and it is this premium stock that is experiencing a shortage,” he said.
He added that members of the public have been searching for rice in traditional markets and shops, only to find them empty as well. He expressed hope that Bulog would assist in ensuring a smoother rice supply.
Yudi further noted that the number of minimarkets in the Bandung Raya area reaches 1,000 outlets, while the total for West Java reaches 8,000.