Responding to Bulog's Premium Rice Offer, National Nutrition Agency Prioritises Local Food
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, stated that the BGN welcomes the proposal from Perum Bulog regarding the provision of premium rice to support the implementation of the MBG Programme.
“We view Bulog’s proposal positively. However, what we want to emphasise is that the MBG Programme will continue to prioritise the use of food ingredients from local areas. We want local farmers, local traders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to feel the benefits of the economic circulation generated by this programme,” Sudaryono said during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
He emphasised that his agency will continue to prioritise the use of local food supplies in the execution of the MBG Programme. According to him, Bulog will not replace the role of local suppliers but will instead function as a buffer in the event that rice supplies in a particular region are insufficient or if price volatility occurs.
Sudaryono explained that Bulog’s proposal does not relate to Stabilisation of Food Supply and Price (SPHP) rice, but rather to premium rice that can be utilised as a reserve if a region faces supply constraints. He noted that Bulog plays a strategic role in maintaining price stability and ensuring the availability of national food stocks.
“Bulog has the function of a price stabiliser and a guardian of food stocks. Therefore, we want to position Bulog as a buffer. When local rice supplies are insufficient or there is a potential for price increases due to rising demand, Bulog can act as a cushion, ensuring that the public continues to receive fair prices and food stocks remain available,” said Sudaryono.
He asserted that this policy is part of the BGN’s strategy to ensure that the implementation of the MBG Programme not only impacts the improvement of public nutritional quality but is also capable of providing direct economic benefits to the regions. By prioritising the purchase of food ingredients from the surroundings of the School Nutrition Service Units (SPPG), economic circulation at the village and sub-district levels is expected to increase.
“We must ensure that the presence of MBG kitchens does not trigger price volatility in a region by absorbing limited supplies. Therefore, we prioritise local food ingredients first. If a shortage does occur, Bulog will then step in as a buffer so that prices remain stable and supplies remain secure,” concluded Sudaryono.