Alor Regency receives food aid and agricultural intervention

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has launched a series of interventions in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to address food security and poverty. The move follows appeals from Adriano Padama, a student from Alor, who highlighted regional issues regarding rice distribution and high prices reaching up to Rp30,000 per kilogram.

To stabilize the market, the government is distributing food assistance to 37,338 residents, providing 30 kilograms of rice per family for the July-September 2026 period. Perum BULOG reported that approximately 1,500 tons of rice are currently available in the Kalabahi warehouse to ensure supply stability. The Minister emphasized that rice prices in Alor must align with the national ceiling price (HET) to prevent spikes caused by distribution challenges in island regions.

Long-term economic strategies include developing 10,000 hectares of productive land. The plan focuses on short-term crops like rice and corn for immediate relief, alongside long-term commodities such as coconut, cashew, and cocoa to provide sustainable income for local families. The government is providing seeds, agricultural machinery, and pumps to support these efforts.