The National Food Agency (Bapanas) of Indonesia, led by Arief Prasetyo Adi, has announced the import of 22,500 tons of rice from Cambodia to augment domestic rice stocks in preparation for the upcoming Idul Fitri celebrations. This decision aims to ensure sufficient rice availability, with a focus on prioritizing domestic rice production. Bapanas is actively preparing for the anticipated rice harvest in March and April 2024 to bolster the national rice reserves.
Arief expressed confidence in the government's strategy to stabilize rice prices and ensure food security, particularly through targeted support for beneficiary families (KPM). The government plans to distribute 10 kilograms of rice to 22 million KPM, covering approximately 8 percent of the population. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the needs of the most vulnerable segments of society, alongside other programs like the Cheap Food Movement, spearheaded by various regional governments and central administration.
To maintain national food security, Bapanas is closely monitoring the rice stock levels at Bulog, the state-owned logistics agency, ensuring that they remain stable at 1.2 million tons until June 2024. This measure is part of a comprehensive approach to manage the supply and distribution of rice across the country, ensuring that the needs of the Indonesian population are met during critical periods such as religious festivals and harvest seasons.