Bulog�expands rice procurement in South Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) - State logistics agency Bulog is strengthening rice procurement in South Papua to support the government's food security strategy, stabilize supplies and ensure farmers receive fair prices as production expands, President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said.

“Higher production must be matched by guaranteed procurement so farmers have market certainty and receive fair prices,” Ramdhani said on Sunday.

He said the initiative supports the Simultaneous Rice Planting Movement in Merauke, aiming to boost national rice output, safeguard supplies and strengthen long-term food self-sufficiency.

Bulog remains committed to serving as a strategic partner for farmers by ensuring sustainable national food production, Ramdhani said.

The agency will strengthen coordination with the Agriculture Ministry, regional governments, the Indonesian Military, National Police and other stakeholders to maximize rice procurement.

“This will strengthen government rice reserves while improving farmers' welfare as key players in the food sector,” he said.

Ramdhani said closer cooperation among the government, Bulog and farmers is expected to make South Papua a cornerstone of Indonesia's long-term food security strategy.

Supported by modern technology, infrastructure, higher productivity and guaranteed procurement, Merauke is expected to emerge as one of Indonesia's major food production centers, he said.

Across Papua, the government has developed 83,030 hectares of rice fields and optimized 54,399 hectares of agricultural land.

South Papua accounts for the largest share, with 48,934 hectares of rice fields and 53,499 hectares of optimized land.

The province has nearly 100,000 hectares designated for food production. To accelerate development, the Agriculture Ministry allocated Rp1.3 trillion (about US$72.8 million) for the program in 2026.

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Translator: Harianto, Kenzu

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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