Rice Prices Rise in Central Java, Luthfi Calls for Immediate Market Intervention
Based on price monitoring conducted between 2-6 September 2026, an increase in rice prices has been observed at the retail level. Consequently, Luthfi has instructed the Food Security Agency (Dishanpan) and the local Bulog office to increase cheap food movements and market interventions. This was stated during an audience with the leadership of Bulog Central Java and the Head of the Central Java Food Security Agency in Semarang today.
“Our stocks are still available. To anticipate the rise in rice prices, prepare Task Forces and implement previous methods such as cheap food movements, food aid distribution, SPHP rice distribution, and increasing the number of cheap food kiosks,” Luthlag said in a written statement on Tuesday (8/9/2026).
Monitoring has been conducted across several markets, including Johar Market in Semarang, Salatiga City Raya Market, Bandarjo Ungaran Market, Projo Ambarawa Market, Kendal Market, and Jungke Karanganyar Market. The findings show an average rice price increase of 2.5%.
Specifically, non-SPHP medium rice prices have risen by 0.74% to 11.11% above the Maximum Retail Price (HET), with prices ranging from approximately Rp 14,000 to Rp 15,000 per kilogram. Premium rice has increased by 0.67% to 14.09% above the HET, with prices between Rp 15,000 and Rp 17,000 per kilogram. SPHP rice prices remain relatively stable, at approximately Rp 60,000 to Rp 62,000 per 5kg package.
The trigger for the price increase is suspected to be the cost of Harvested Dry Grain (GKP) at the farmer level, which averages Rp 7,300 per kilogram, while Milled Dry Grain (GKG) at the milling level averages Rp 8,666 per kilogram. It is suspected that distributors, sub-distributors, wholesalers, agents, and retailers are withholding sales to avoid losses caused by the rising GKP prices and the pressure of government-mandated Maximum Retail Prices (HET).
“Do not let the rise in rice prices burden the community and trigger inflation. Carry out interventions immediately and coordinate with Bulog,” Luthfi emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Central Java Food Security Agency, Widi Hartanto, added that market price monitoring is being continuously conducted with relevant agencies. Market operations are also ongoing to maintain rice distribution and movement, including the provision of food aid and Cheap Food Movements (GPM).
“The GPM has been conducted 1,083 times so far, with a turnover of Rp 24.9 billion,” said Widi.
Furthermore, the Deputy Regional Leader of Bulog Central Java, Gandi Prarista, stated that the distribution of SPHP rice in the region has reached 100 per cent. Rice absorption has also reached 100 per cent of the target. To anticipate El Niño, Bulog headquarters has provided an additional target for the distribution of approximately 90,000 food aid packages over three months, namely July, August, and September 2026.
“In general, rice availability is still sufficient. Bulog Central Java stocks are around 300,000 tonnes; after deducting food aid, there will still be 200,000 tonnes remaining at the end of the year for medium rice. Premium rice stocks are also still available,” he concluded.