Bulog Chases 300,000 Tons of Premium Rice Output as Grain Price Hits Rp9,000 per Kg

Perum Bulog is accelerating the production of 300,000 tons of premium commercial rice through December 2026 to curb price spikes in modern retail and supermarkets. The move follows the price of harvested dry grain (GKP) at the farm level breaching Rp9,000 per kilogram, far above the government purchase price (HPP) set at Rp6,500 per kg.

Bulog president director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said the intervention was a response to the agriculture minister's directive, following indications of rice price increases that have persisted since the start of the year. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) show the rice price increase was dominated by the premium segment, which is the main consumption of the middle class.

"We have been ordered to immediately produce 300,000 tons of commercial rice through December. So far around 71,000–72,000 tons have been processed, involving milling partners from Sabang to Merauke," Rizal said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (9/10).

According to Rizal, the price surge in the market is inseparable from thin supply after the main harvest season. This has triggered competition in grain prices at the farm level, which on average is already above Rp7,000 per kg, with some reaching Rp8,000–Rp9,000 per kg. These prices exceed the HPP, benefiting farmers but forcing consumers to bear the burden of higher rice prices.

Bulog distributes premium rice under brands such as B-Food, Punokawan, and Setra Ramos to modern retail networks in major cities. Rizal believes this supply will stabilize prices in the near term. However, several food analysts warn that the effectiveness of the intervention depends on the speed of distribution and Bulog's ability to absorb grain from farmers amid competition with private traders.

The policy also highlights structural challenges in the national rice trade. When grain prices soar, farmers do enjoy better margins, but consumers are vulnerable to food inflation. The government is trying to balance both sides through market operations and additional commercial supply. Nevertheless, without long-term production improvements—such as better irrigation and the adoption of agricultural technology—rice price fluctuations could recur every year.

Going forward, the public will watch whether the 300,000-ton target can be met on time and whether prices in modern retail actually fall. If not, food inflation pressure could erode people's purchasing power, especially toward the end of the year. The question is whether this intervention will be enough to maintain national food stability, or whether it is merely a temporary fix for a more fundamental problem.