Riau Police and Bulog Hold Cheap Food Bazaar Ahead of Eid, Distribute 23 Tonnes of Rice

The Riau Regional Police (Polda) launched the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) bazaar in coordination with Bulog, distributing 23 tonnes of rice and other essential goods across the province.

The event was held at the Bulog Riau Provincial office and was led directly by Deputy Chief of Riau Police Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi, accompanied by senior officials from Polda Riau and the leadership of Bulog’s Riau-Kepri Regional Office.

Riau Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Zahwani Pandra Arsyad stated that Polda Riau and Bulog had prepared substantial logistical supplies to assist residents across Riau’s remote areas.

“Today, simultaneously, Polda Riau is distributing 23 tonnes of quality rice, 6,040 litres of cooking oil, and 1,300 kilogrammes of sugar through 12 police stations and city police commands across the region. The estimated beneficiaries of this activity reach more than 2,350 people,” Pandra said on Friday, 14 March 2026.

The public relations chief reported that during the August-December 2025 period, Polda Riau had distributed food supplies reaching 158 per cent or 5,214 tonnes of the initially set target. Nevertheless, Polda Riau acknowledged geographical challenges in certain areas.

“Regarding constraints in Kuantan Singingi and Meranti Islands due to distance factors, we continue to seek strategic solutions to ensure equitable distribution of cheap food to remote areas,” he added.

With Eid al-Fitr just a week away, Polda Riau together with all relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Trade and the Department of Food Security, will intensify monitoring of stock levels at traditional and modern markets.

“Our focus is to ensure there are no shortages and prices remain stable. We want residents to be able to observe worship at the end of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with peace of mind without being burdened by rising basic commodity prices,” the public relations chief stated firmly.

During the event, the Deputy Chief of Riau Police symbolically handed over food packages to community representatives to mark the beginning of distribution. The activity was also attended by the Chief of Pekanbaru City Police, the Head of Pekanbaru City Department of Trade, and Bulog leadership.

The Cheap Food Movement is expected to serve as an economic cushion for low-income residents whilst functioning as an instrument to control regional inflation in Riau Province.