Jakarta, in terms of calculations, Zulhas stated that the rice production figures in the first two months will be below the existing needs.
“So in January-February we will have a shortage in rice production. In January, it will be below 2 million (tons), 1.5 million (tons). In February, it will be below 2 million (tons), our need is 2.6 million (tons per month),” he explained in Jakarta, Tuesday (3/12/2024).
Thus, the government will distribute a total of 320 thousand tons of rice social assistance during the January-February 2025 period, as an effort to maintain rice prices amid the shortage. Each beneficiary family (KPM) will later receive a rice supply assistance of 10 kg each month.
“So there will be food aid that has been determined by the Ratas, led directly by the President, at that time I proposed for 16 million people in January, 16 million in February, which means 160 thousand tons,” he explained.
In addition, the government will also distribute the government’s rice reserves (CBP) in the Food Supply and Price Stabilization Program (SPHP) amounting to 300 thousand tons. The supply will come from Bulog warehouses in various regions.
“There will also be SPHP. If prices rise, to stabilize, there can be a market operation with SPHP, 150 thousand tons and 150 thousand tons. So, 300 thousand tons, plus 320 thousand tons (rice social assistance). So, there will be 620 thousand tons that need to be released in January and February,” said Zulhas.
Zulhas also believes that the availability of rice in Bulog’s warehouses will remain sufficient, following President Prabowo Subianto’s statement committing not to import rice in 2025.
“But Bulog must absorb more later because there will be a bumper harvest in March, April, May. That’s about 1 million tons more,” requested Zulhas.
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