REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA— Perum Bulog ensures that the availability of government rice reserves (CBP) in a safe state reaches 1.4 million tons, so as to maintain stability of rice supply and support food aid nationwide.

“Bulog-controlled rice stocks currently exist at 1.4 million tons and are very sufficient for the distribution of rice food aid,” Perum Bulog President Director Bayu Krisnamurthi said in a written statement in Jakarta, Friday (16/2/2024),

President Director of Perum Bulog Bayu Krisnamurthi also accompanied President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on a working visit to check the availability of government rice reserves (CBP) at Bulog Cibitung Warehouse Bekasi, West Java.

Bayu said the rice stocks currently occupied by Perum Bulog are able to meet national needs until June, as well as for the distribution of rice under the Food Supply and Price Stabilization Program (SPHP).

“This stock can reach June, distributing SPHP rice and facing fasting and lebaran,” Bayu said.

Bayu confirmed that Bulog has prepared the government's rice reserves as best as possible for the implementation of programs such as rice food assistance so as to create a solid food security in Indonesia.

In addition to checking rice stocks, President Jokowi also handed over rice food aid to beneficiary families (KPM) in West Cikarang, Bekasi.

President Jokowi said in his speech that meeting food needs is a priority of the current government, therefore government programs that have a direct impact on society.

Jokowi said food aid was being sought to be extended until June 2024, but would be adjusted to the state's financial condition.

“All over the world today there is a food crisis so rice prices are rising, but in our country our people help with this rice food aid of 10 kg per month. This aid will be distributed until June and beyond, looking at the state budget,” Jokowi said.

At the same place, the head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi, who accompanied the President, added that rice food aid has started to be redistributed since Thursday (15/02) simultaneously throughout Indonesia after it was temporarily suspended during the calm period of the 2024 elections.

“Rice Food Aid was re-channeled after the election and it was re-affirmed that this program has no connection with any interests, so it can be sure that the goal is to help the food fulfillment of people in need”, Arief said.

Jamaludin, 42, a resident of West Cikarang, Bekasi, one of the beneficiaries said he was very happy with the rice food aid provided by the government to help alleviate the needs of his family.

“Thank God I am very happy with this help, especially since I am only a freelance day laborer so this is very good, our hope hopefully this help will continue,” said the man with a livelihood as a freelance daily worker

Also present accompanying President Jokowi in reviewing stocks and distribution of food aid at Bulog Cibitung Warehouse Bekasi, West Java were Minister of Commerce Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of SOE Erick Thohir, and Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin.

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