Bulog and police tighten oversight of subsidised rice after suspected misuse
Economists flag repackaging of SPHP rice as premium as a factor behind high prices, while Bulog regional offices in NTB, Kediri and Central Sulawesi escalate enforcement with police and prosecutors.
Research institute INDEF has pointed to leaks in the distribution of subsidised rice as one reason retail prices remain above the government reference price despite large state stocks, with medium-quality rice averaging Rp14,677 per kilogram in October against a Rp13,500 floor for zone one. According to INDEF, part of the leak involves repackaging of SPHP rice — subsidised premium-blend rice meant for market operations — into premium brands, while October distribution reached only around 123,000 tonnes.
Regional Bulog offices have escalated enforcement with security forces. In West Nusa Tenggara, Bulog and the regional police strengthened oversight after the police food task force uncovered suspected misuse in West and Central Lombok. The Kediri office formed a special task force to audit reserves and conduct unannounced checks at retail partners, and the Central Sulawesi office is working with prosecutors, the military and police on distribution controls. The crackdowns mark a shift from administrative supervision toward joint enforcement across provinces.