PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Facing the end of the year, especially the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) celebrations, the Bandung Branch of Perum Bulog is actively making various efforts to maintain the stability of food prices, especially in the Greater Bandung area.

Head of the Bandung Branch of the Bulog Forum Imam Firdaus Jamal revealed that his party has reserves of medium CBP rice (government rice reserves) of 7,585 tons and premium commercial rice of 165 tons. In addition, there is also 31 tons of granulated sugar, 11 tons of wheat flour, 86,112 liters of cooking oil, and 7 tons of rice flour.

"Our food stock position is safe, especially for medium rice commodities that are distributed according to government assignments," said Imam at the Bandung City Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) Coordination Meeting at the Mercure Hotel, Monday (11/11/2024).

To ensure smooth food distribution, Bulog plans to distribute the third phase of food aid in December.

This food aid is part of a program to maintain price stability and control inflation in the Greater Bandung area and its surroundings.

Imam said that this food aid will be distributed in Bandung City, Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung, and Sumedang Regency.

"The distribution of this aid is carried out in stages, and next December will be the third stage. Every month, we distribute around 1,100 tons of rice to people in need. We hope this step can help reduce the volatility of rice prices, especially in the areas we serve," said Imam.

In addition to food aid, Bulog Bandung also held a subsidized market operation in collaboration with the Trade Office. This operation was carried out to control the prices of several commodities such as rice, cooking oil, and granulated sugar ahead of Nataru.

In subsidized market operations, Bulog provides premium quality rice and granulated sugar at prices below market prices.

"Now the government is also present in modern retail so that people can access CBP rice in various places," he said.

Imam explained that the availability of food stocks, especially rice, is always closely monitored. In maintaining the stability of supply, Bulog is ready to shift stocks from other warehouses if there is a spike in demand or there are indications of price increases.

"We strive to maintain adequate stock for key commodities. If needed, we will immediately request a stock refill from the head office to our work area warehouse," he explained.

As a member of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID), Bulog Bandung Branch is also involved in various inflation control efforts in the West Java region.

Imam admitted that Bulog continues to conduct intensive communication with TPID and other related agencies to obtain the latest information on market needs and conditions.

"Last October, although food prices had increased in several regions, rice was not a commodity contributing to inflation in Bandung, because the availability of local rice was quite safe," explained Imam.

Regarding price stabilization efforts, Bulog actively monitors market price trends and prepares additional stock reserves if needed. In addition, Bulog also supports the SPHP (Food Supply and Price Stability) optimization program and coordination with related agencies such as the Food Security Agency.

"With sufficient stock availability and optimal stabilization efforts, we hope food prices can be controlled towards the end of the year," he concluded. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Revo)