Rice and Cooking Oil Aid Delayed in Mataram Over Sack Shortage

The distribution of a food aid programme consisting of rice and cooking oil to approximately 46,983 beneficiary families in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, has encountered obstacles. A shortage of rice sack stock is causing the distribution delay.

"The oil and rice are fine, but the sacks for wrapping the rice are the issue that is not yet clear," said Mataram Food Security Agency Head Sudirman when confirmed on Thursday.

Sudirman revealed that the State Logistics Agency (Perum Bulog) has not confirmed when the rice wrapping sacks will be available. Despite the delay, Sudirman assured that conditions in the community remain conducive and have not sparked public unrest.

"Based on our coordination with Bulog, as of today the food aid for March and April 2026 has not been distributed because we are waiting for the procurement of rice sacks. We have informed the urban wards to maintain coordination. God willing, there is no upheaval," Sudirman stated.

For context, the food aid for the 46,983 beneficiary families in Mataram for March and April 2026 was supposed to have been distributed in May 2026. However, by early June, the rice distribution had still not been realised.

Based on Mataram Food Security Agency data, the total number of food aid recipients in its area continues to increase. This year, 46,983 families are recorded, an increase of 51 percent, or around 15,000 families, from the 2025 beneficiary figure of 31,046 families.

"This addition is a response to proposals from the lowest-level officials, namely neighbourhood heads and urban ward chiefs, which are then processed by the central government through the integrated social welfare data system," Sudirman explained.