Abundance Of Rice Stock, Badanas Boss Urges Price Reduction In Pasaran
Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo Adi, said that the increasing national rice production should be able to boost the decline in rice prices in the market.
He appealed to the perpetrators of rice milling to adjust the purchase price of grain and pay attention to the highest retail price (HET) of rice that applies to consumers.
"The latest results, later please help cross-check, I have seen a decrease in rice prices. The decrease in rice prices means that if the production is versus last year we should have excess 3 million tons, then the price of rice should have dropped," he told reporters in Jakarta, Thursday, July 17.
From January to the projection of August 2025, Arief continued, national rice production increased significantly compared to previous years. When compared to 2022 and 2023, this year's production increased by 1.2 million tons.
"If production from January to the project in August, the rice versus last year is at a difference of 3 million tons, then this year when compared to 2023 and 2022 production will increase by 1.2 million tons, the price of rice should not increase significantly," he said.
Regarding the price of unhulled rice, Arief emphasized the balance between the interests of farmers and consumer purchasing power. He also reminded that the government has set a purchase price of unhulled rice of Rp. 6,500 per kilogram (kg).
"At the time the price is already Rp. 7,100, Rp. 7,200, friends with rice pangolins must also see that at the end there are 280 million consumers, whose price is limited to HET of Rp. 14,900," he said.
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"So please, in buying unhulled rice also see, considering at what limit so that the HET is not exceeded. For example, if the HET will be exceeded at the time of the price of grain. For example, Rp. 7,500, not more than Rp. 7,500, that's the reason for the HET," said Arief.
Arief also reminded that price control does not only depend on the government, but also needs support from all food business actors, especially rice millers and distributors.