Optimistic That Rice Prices Drop, Minister Of Agriculture Amran: Stock Reaches 4.2 Million Tons, No Need To Worry

The government's rice reserve stock is in Bulog's warehouse. (Photo: Ministry of Agriculture's Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed that rice prices will soon fall in the near future.

This belief is based on the availability of a very sufficient national rice stock, which reaches 4.2 million tons at Perum Bulog's warehouse.

"Our rice stock is very sufficient, reaching 4.2 million tons. No need to worry. In the near future, rice prices will certainly fall," Amran said in a written statement, Tuesday, July 15.

Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS) as of July 15, rice prices in various regions vary.

In West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), the price of rice is in the range of Rp. 14,000 per kilogram (kg). In DKI Jakarta, the price reaches Rp. 16,200 per kg.

Meanwhile, in eastern Indonesia, such as Maluku and Papua, prices are at Rp. 17,150 and Rp. 18,400 per kg, which is the highest national price.

On average, rice prices do show an upward trend with the following details:

- Lower quality rice I rose 0.34 percent to IDR 14,550 per kg;

- Lower quality II rice rose 0.35 percent to IDR 14,400 per kg;

- Super quality I rice rose 0.58 percent to IDR 17,200 per kg;

- Super quality II rice rose 0.6 percent to IDR 16,700 per kg;

- Medium quality I rice rose 0.95 percent to IDR 15,950 per kg; and

- Medium quality II rice rose 0.64 percent to IDR 15,800 per kg.

As an intervention measure to reduce prices, the government has distributed 360,000 tons of rice food assistance throughout July through social protection programs.

In addition, as much as 1.3 million tons of rice will be disbursed through the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program until the end of 2025.

Amran emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to eradicating the practice of the food mafia and misappropriation of food distribution.

"As long as we are in the Ministry of Agriculture, as much as we can, we will clean it up. We will not back down. In the last 10 months, we have sent 260 cases to law enforcement, and we are sure that strict action will be taken," he said.