BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Indonesia’s state-owned logistics company, Perum BULOG, has established a Special Task Force to strengthen oversight of government rice reserve distribution under the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) program. The move follows allegations of misuse of rice distributed through the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program by certain distribution partners in the Matraman area and at the Cipinang Rice Wholesale Market in East Jakarta.

The task force is part of BULOG’s efforts to tighten distribution controls, evaluate distribution partners, and ensure that the government’s rice stabilization program reaches its intended beneficiaries.

BULOG has also strengthened internal monitoring and launched a comprehensive evaluation of SPHP rice distribution procedures, particularly along distribution channels considered vulnerable to irregularities.

The company said the task force would intensify monitoring of distribution networks, assess partners’ compliance with applicable regulations, and ensure that every stage of government rice distribution follows established procedures.

BULOG Bali Regional Office Head Simon Melkisedek Lakapu said stronger supervision was essential to maintaining the integrity of the SPHP program and ensuring that all distribution partners fulfilled their responsibilities in accordance with regulations.

“Strengthening oversight reflects BULOG’s commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring that SPHP rice distribution is orderly, transparent, and properly targeted. We continue to urge all distribution partners to comply with applicable regulations and ensure that SPHP rice reaches the public in accordance with the government program’s objectives,” Simon said.

He added that all BULOG personnel across the Bali region had been instructed to strengthen supervision of SPHP rice distribution to ensure the program was implemented properly and delivered tangible benefits to the public.

The evaluation will also cover BULOG’s distribution partner network, including Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK), a community-based retail network that serves as one of the distribution channels for SPHP rice.

BULOG emphasized that all distribution partners must comply with regulations governing distribution procedures, selling prices, and restrictions on the misuse of commodities allocated for government programs.

Through more intensive monitoring and periodic evaluations, the company aims to improve transparency and accountability while minimizing the risk of irregularities throughout the distribution chain.

BULOG said the measures were also intended to safeguard the effectiveness of the SPHP program, which plays a strategic role in maintaining national rice supply and price stability.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its government mandate responsibly, with an emphasis on accountability, prudence, and protecting the public interest.

BULOG also expressed its support for law enforcement efforts by the relevant authorities and said it was ready to provide any necessary information in accordance with applicable regulations to ensure that allegations of violations were handled objectively and thoroughly.