Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s state logistics agency Bulog said rice supplies across Sumatra are secure and sufficient to meet the needs of communities hit by recent natural disasters, as authorities step up emergency food assistance in the region.
Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said rice stockpiles in Aceh currently stand at around 97,000 tonnes, while North Sumatra holds about 25,000 tonnes and West Sumatra around 9,000 tonnes, providing a strong buffer for disaster response.
“Following the President’s directive, we have doubled our reserves for disaster relief support, particularly in the three provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra,” Ahmad said on Sunday in Bandung, West Java.
He said the release of rice supplies is carried out based on formal requests from local governments, including governors, regents and mayors, to ensure there is no disruption to food availability in disaster-affected areas.
“For Sumatra, we are increasing stocks to up to three times the initial request from local authorities. If a region asks for 1,000 tonnes, we prepare up to 3,000 tonnes,” Ahmad said.
Baca juga: Bulog dan Masa Depan Industri Padi Indonesia
Bulog is also working closely with the Indonesian military, police and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to ensure smooth distribution, particularly to isolated areas cut off by floods or landslides.
A range of transport modes is being deployed, including aircraft, helicopters and naval vessels operated by the Indonesian Navy, to deliver rice and other essential supplies to affected communities.
“The quantities available are more than sufficient. The main challenge we face now is distribution, as some roads remain damaged and geographic conditions are difficult,” Ahmad said.
Baca juga: Stabilitas beras di PIBC aman selama Nataru
In several remote locations, he added, military personnel have been forced to use off-road motorcycles to transport rice and logistics to villages that cannot be reached by larger vehicles.
Bulog said aid distribution will continue in the coming days, as many residents in disaster-hit areas remain in need of food assistance and basic supplies.
