Realization Is Not 100 Percent Yet, Bulog Speeds Up Distribution Of Rice Food Aid In Papua

Rice (photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - Perum Bulog continues to intensify the distribution of rice food aid in the Papua region which includes the Provinces of Papua Mountains and South. As for now, the realization of the distribution is not 100 percent.

Meanwhile, Perum Bulog received an assignment to distribute 10 kilograms of food aid (kg) for the period of June and July 2025. This rice food aid is targeted at 18.3 million Beneficiary Families (KPM).

The leader of Bulog Merauke Branch, Karennu revealed that the realization of the distribution of rice food assistance for the Merauke Cancab working area, which includes Merauke, Asmat, Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Yahukimo Regencies, has only reached more than 739 tons.

"Or equivalent to 56.23 percent of the total two-month ceiling of 1,315 tons," he said in an official statement, Thursday, August 14.

Karennu said the remaining distribution would be distributed in stages. He acknowledged that there was still minimal distribution due to the geographical challenges faced.

Even so, Karennu said the obstacle would not dampen the enthusiasm of Perum Bulog in distributing rice food aid.

"Geographic challenges, bad weather, limited transportation, and security dynamics in areas such as Yahukimo do not dampen distribution efforts," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Wamena Branch Bulog, Stephanus Kurniawan, revealed that the distribution of Banpang from the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) allocation from June to July 2025 had reached 100 percent or 2,670 tons.

"Jayawijaya, Tolikara, Central Mamberamo, Lanny Jaya, Yalimo, and Puncak Jaya are all 100 percent complete. We are grateful that everything was finished on time even though it was blocked by heavy terrain and security factors," he said.

In addition to intensifying the distribution of rice food aid, Perum Bulog also held a Cheap Food Movement (GPM) program. This program aims to maintain price stability, and strengthen food security.

In Papua Mountains, GPM is held at a number of strategic points in Jayawijaya, Tolikara, Central Mamberamo, Lanny Jaya, Yalimo, and Puncak Jaya with the support of Kodim 1702 Jayawijaya, Polres Jayawijaya, Polres Tolikara, Polres Lanny Jaya, and Kodim Lanny Jaya. Bulog prepares SPHP rice with the Highest Retail Price of IDR 13,500 per kg, sugar, and cooking oil with a total stock of more than 30 tons.

Meanwhile in South Papua, the Merauke Police together with the Merauke Branch BULOG held a GPM at Merauke Port, in front of the Merauke Police Headquarters, and the Buti Merauke Indigenous Community Institute (LMA) on August 11 to 15, 2025. This activity provides SPHP rice for Rp. 12,000 per kg, cooking oil for Rp. 15,700 per liter, and sugar for Rp. 18,000 per kg.

GPM this time distributed 2 tons of Stableized Rice Supply and Food Price (SPHP), increasing the total distribution of SPHP rice in 2025 in Merauke to more than 23 tons. The distribution will continue until the end of the year with the support of the TNI, Polri, provincial and district governments.

Meanwhile, Merauke Police Chief AKBP Leonardo Yoga emphasized that GPM is a strategic step to reduce food prices and help the community.

"We thank Bulog and all those who support it," he said.