Minister distributes rice assistance to residents in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto distributed rice assistance from the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) to hundreds of beneficiary families (KPM) in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"The government holds this program for 22 million beneficiaries. Hence, in addition to the 100 beneficiaries (here), there are other 22 million throughout Indonesia," Hartarto stated while giving a speech at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Office in Labuan Bajo on Monday.

He explained that the rice assistance is an effort to anticipate the increase in prices of staple commodities as a result of the El Nino phenomenon that causes a delay in the harvest season.

"We distribute this assistance because El Nino keeps causing drought, and the planting season, which is usually from November-December, is late (and delayed) to January to February. As a result, the usual harvest in April is pushed back to June," he remarked.

Hartarto also explained that the government imported 3.5 million tons of rice in 2023 and will import three million tons of rice in 2024.

"Mr. President has decided to import three million tons of rice in 2024, and Bulog has tendered two million of it. They will directly be sent to regions. Rice (supplies) in Bulog are many, so residents are safe," he remarked.

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He noted that the president has urged to give 10 kilograms (kg) of rice every month to each beneficiary family. Hartarto noted that the CBP assistance program will be extended until June 2024.

"In the plenary cabinet session, the president requested that the (aid) be extended until June. Hence, you will receive 10 kg of rice every month until June," he stated.