Good News, Bulog Boss Says Rice Prices Are Starting To Drop

President Director of Perum Bulog Bayu Krisnamurthi (Photo: VOI)

JAKARTA - President Director of Perum Bulog Bayu Krisnamurthi said that currently rice prices are starting to stabilize and return to normal, because the supply of rice at the Johar Karawang Main Market is starting to enter from Central Java, which is starting to harvest.

Therefore, Bayu asked the public not to worry about rising rice prices and rice stocks.

The public does not need to worry now that prices are starting to return to normal and stable. The price of premium rice, which had penetrated Rp. 17,000 yesterday, is currently gradually starting to fall and returning to prices in the range of Rp. 14,000. Likewise, medium rice prices are starting to stabilize," he said in an official statement, Thursday, February 29.

Bayu also explained that the price of rice sometimes rose and then returned to normal, it had actually become an annual cycle. In fact, he said, if you look at this condition, it also happened in the middle of last year. It's just that this year the harvest is a bit delayed due to natural factors.

"Indeed, natural factors cannot be avoided. El nino's storm that hit has affected production, which was reduced due to crop failure in a number of areas," said Bayu.

In addition to natural factors for el nino, Bayu also mentioned the high demand for farmers' fertilizers. It also affects the productivity of farmers' rice because not all farmer fertilizer needs are met.

"But the matter of fertilizer is not our territory. So I can't talk much," he said.

Now, said Bayu, rice supply is approaching normal before Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri. So people don't need to worry.

Indonesia's rice demand in 2024 will reach 31.2 million tons. This is based on the national food balance prognosis for the period January to December 2024 which has been prepared by the National Food Agency.

Bayu said the rice demand until June had been met. For the next six months, according to Bayu, the stock is also safe.

"We do it every six months every year," said Bayu.

Bayu admitted that his party will continue to take various steps and efforts to control rice prices so that they can maintain stability in the market.

"So it is hoped that rice in the market can immediately return to normal conditions for the welfare of the community," said Bayu.