Indonesia distributes 1.65 million tons of rice to stabilize prices

The Indonesian National Food Agency (Bapanas) has distributed 1.65 million tons of government rice reserves (CBP) between January and August 2026. This massive distribution aims to stabilize rice prices and ensure supply stability amid the peak dry season and the threat of El Nino.

Bapanas Deputy I Gusti Ketut Astawa expressed optimism that these measures will prevent the significant rice inflation seen in 2023 and 2024. Current CBP stocks managed by Bulog have reached 5.17 million tons, a 291.66 percent increase compared to August 2023.

In addition to price stabilization, the government has allocated Rp1.2 trillion for disaster relief food reserves for 2026. This includes specific aid for earthquake-affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), where 6,800 tons of rice have been allocated across five regencies. Furthermore, regular food assistance programs for the July-September 2026 period have received an allocation of Rp17.5 trillion, with significant distributions also reaching regions like South Papua and Yahukimo.