President Jokowi Orders Bulog to Absorb Farmers’ Rice

President Jokowi and a number of high-level officials visit Bulog Rice Mill Center in Sragen regency on Saturday (03/11). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered state-owned logistics company Bulog to absorb as much grain from farmers as possible, especially during the current harvest season.

“All regencies, such as Kebumen regency and Ngawi Regency, have started this year’s harvest season. Therefore, this morning I asked Head of Bulog to absorb as much grain as possible from the farmers,” he said after visit Bulog Rice Mill Center in Sragen regency on Saturday (03/11).

In 2023, the President is targeting Bulog to be able to absorb 2.4 million tons of rice from farmers.

“This year I have ordered Bulog to absorb 2.4 million tons of farmers’ rice so that it will bring stability to the price of rice,” he said, adding that the Government is reformulating the Government’s basic price (HPP) for grain so that it continues to provide benefits for farmers. The President also asked Bulog to buy harvested dry grain (GKP) at that price.

“We want the farmers’ prices to be reasonable, the prices at the traders are also reasonable, the price for the public should be also reasonable. Everyone should generate profit. Maintaining this balance is not easy,” he said.

Regarding the rice milling centers, the President said that until now Bulog has seven milling centers operating in various rice production centers in the country.

“Apart in Sragen, Bulog also has six milling centers operating in Subang, Kendal, Karawang, Lampung, Bojonegoro, and Magetan,” he said.

The President expressed optimism that the existence of this milling centers will become Bulog’s strength in optimizing farmers’ grain uptake.

“This will strengthen Bulog’s role in absorbing grain from farmers with a very large capacity,” he said.

(MAY/UN) (EST/MMB)