Bulog to Maintain Rice Imports for Prabowo's Free Nutritious Meal Program
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13 September 2024 16:13 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has announced that it will continue to import rice to support the Free Nutritious Meal program initiated by President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Bulog has already imported 2.4 million tons of rice this year, out of a total target of 3.6 million tons.
“I will prioritize completing the remaining imports to strengthen our stock levels, as the new government's free meal program will require additional rice supplies,” said Wahyu Suparyono, President Director of Bulog’s General Logistics Business Entity Company, when met by Tempo at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Wahyu confirmed that Bulog will actively support the National Nutrition Agency, a newly formed government agency. This support will be manifested through ensuring the availability of rice supplies. “That is the most important thing in front of us,” he said.
This year, Bulog is tasked with importing 3.6 million tons of rice. By the end of the year, the company still needs to import approximately 1.2 million tons. Wahyu assured that the latest rice imports are being conducted transparently, with tenders and governance processes in place.
Bulog currently has a rice stock of 1.4 million tons in its warehouses. This stock is being supplemented through domestic rice absorption, which has reached 833,000 tons.
Wahyu explained that the government has established the necessary agencies to implement the free nutritious meal program. Bulog's role is to ensure the availability and adequate stock of rice. Therefore, timely rice absorption is crucial.
To optimize rice absorption, Wahyu said that Bulog will collaborate with various partners, including the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI), the Village Unit Cooperative Association (Inkud), the Indonesian Rice and Rice Milling Entrepreneurs Association (Perpadi), and large and small milling associations. Cooperation will also be established with PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia or ID Food.
Bulog's commitment to supporting the program lies in its readiness to provide rice supplies when requested by the government. If the government requires immediate replenishment of supplies, Bulog will promptly respond. “I believe this is a very noble endeavor,” Wahyu concluded.
HAN REVANDA PUTRA
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