Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's State Logistics Agency (Bulog) confirmed there are no rice shortages in modern retail stores, with both Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) rice and premium brands widely available nationwide.
Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said during a surprise inspection Sunday at Alfamart, Indomaret, and Grand Lucky stores in Jakarta that distribution is running smoothly and stocks are well-maintained.
“The government has ensured steady rice distribution, both SPHP and premium, to retailers in Jakarta, across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua,” Rizal said.
SPHP rice is sold at the regulated price of Rp62,500 per 5 kilograms, while premium brands such as Punokawan, Befood Setra Ramos, and SLVP Super are available at the retail price ceiling (HET) of Rp74,500 per 5 kilograms.
Privately produced rice brands like Topi Hoki, Anak Raja, and Hok-1 are also fully stocked in modern retail outlets.
"This shows the government's strong support in stabilizing rice supply. With this availability, the issue of rice scarcity can be addressed," Rizal added.
As of early September, Bulog had distributed 400,000 tons of SPHP rice to both traditional markets and retail chains.
The agency said it will continue inspections at warehouses, markets, and retailers to ensure public access to affordable, quality rice.
Bulog maintains quality and competitiveness by applying first-in, first-out (FIFO) and first-expired, first-out (FEFO) inventory systems to manage rice rotation efficiently.
Rizal also noted that the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has announced a food aid program for the next four months, targeting total SPHP rice distribution of 1.3 million tons.
Bulog reported that as of early September, government rice reserves stored in its warehouses totaled approximately 3.9 million tons.
