Minister Of Agriculture: Distribution Of SPHP Rice Must Be Careful And On Target

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the distribution of rice Stability of Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) must be carried out carefully and on target so that the program really has an impact on people in need.

"For the SPHP, I emphasize that Bulog should be careful. Do not let it leak or be used by irresponsible parties. I ask for strict action from the food mafia," said the Minister of Agriculture in Jakarta, Saturday.

He emphasized the importance of strict supervision regarding the SPHP program distributed by Perum Bulog so that distribution is not wrong.

Amran reminded this considering the results of the investigation by the National Police's Food Task Force together with the Ministry of Agriculture on the alleged violations of a number of large producers suspected of distributing rice not according to quality standards and doses.

The findings, he said, strengthened the importance of SPHP as a price controller and consumer protector.

"The SPHP is not just an additional supply, but a bulwark of cheating practices. Its implementation must have integrity and be closely monitored. If someone is naughty, we will take firm action," said Amran.

The SPHP is carried out by Perum Bulog through distribution to people's market retailers, village cooperatives, regional food outlets, to the Cheap Food Movement. SPHP rice is packaged 5 kilograms (kg) and sold according to the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the government.

"This is not a matter of numbers, but of distribution justice. If it is not right on target, then the purpose of the SPHP will fail. The distribution must be transparent and supervised by the central and regional governments," he said.

On the upstream side, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to strengthen rice production through pumping programs, drought-resistant seed assistance, and accelerated planting.

Amran said the national rice production in January 'August 2025 is estimated at 24.97 million tons, an increase of 14.09 percent compared to the same period in 2024 of 21.88 million tons.

"We make sure production is safe. What must be maintained now is distribution and trading system. SPHP and social assistance are two sides of the currency, one is maintaining access to the poor, one is stabilizing the market," explained Amran.

"We want the state to come from the rice fields to the dining table. Don't let the people be harmed by a handful of people. Manage SPHP with a spirit of mutual cooperation, honesty, and concern," Amran added.

On the other hand, Perum Bulog ensures that it is ready to distribute 1.3 million tons of rice to carry out the SPHP rice program during July to December 2025, after receiving assignments from the government through the National Food Agency (Bapanas).

"This distribution is in order to maintain supply stability and rice prices at the consumer level," said Director of Operations and Public Services at Perum Bulog Mokhamad Suyamto in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday.

He said the assignment was stated in the Letter of the Head of Bapanas Number 173/TS.02.02/K/7/2025 dated July 8, 2025, with a distribution target of 1,318,826,629 kilograms (1.3 million tons) of rice from the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) throughout Indonesia.