Bulog Claims Rice Stock in Sumatra is Safe, Disaster Assistance is Doubled

BANDUNG - Perum Bulog ensures that rice supplies in the Sumatra region are safe and sufficient to meet the needs of people affected by natural disasters.

Director of Perum Bulog Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said that Bulog rice stocks in Aceh Province currently reached around 97,000 tons, in North Sumatra around 25,000 tons, and in West Sumatra around 9,000 tons.

"In accordance with the President's instructions, we have doubled the stock for disaster assistance support, especially in three provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra," said Ahmad in Bandung City, West Java, Antara, Sunday, December 28.

Ahmad explained that the provision of rice was carried out based on an official request from regional heads, both governors, regents, and mayors, to ensure that there was no food shortage in disaster-affected areas.

"For the Sumatra region, we have increased our stock three times the initial demand of the local government. If the demand is 1,000 tons, then we are ready to provide up to 3,000 tons," said Ahmad.

He added that Bulog also synergized with the TNI, Polri, and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in the distribution process of assistance, especially to isolated and difficult-to-reach areas.

In its distribution, Bulog utilizes various modes of transportation, ranging from aircraft, helicopters, to naval vessels belonging to the Indonesian Navy, so that rice and other logistics assistance can reach affected communities.

"The amount is sufficient. The main challenge at this time is the distribution process because there are still broken road access and geographical constraints," he said.

Ahmad said that in some remote areas, TNI personnel even had to use trail motorcycles to transport rice and logistics to villages that were difficult to reach.

"The distribution of assistance continues because there are still people who need assistance in disaster-affected areas," said Ahmad.