Farmers Happy as Bulog Warehouses Are Full

Farmers in Indramayu, Indonesia, are celebrating a successful harvest, with many expressing relief and gratitude for the bounty, even as yields saw a slight dip from last year. Sodik, a 62-year-old farmer, shared his contentment with his harvest of two tons of paddy from his less-than-one-hectare plot, a significant portion of which goes to the landowner under a profit-sharing system.

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Yes, Alhamdulillah, the results are decent.

"Yes, Alhamdulillah, the results are decent," Sodik said, his face reflecting a mix of exhaustion and joy under the harsh sun. Despite a reduction of about two quintals compared to the previous year's 2.2 tons, Sodik remains thankful. The harvest will help cover his family's expenses, including his child's education.

A key factor contributing to the farmers' satisfaction is the direct involvement of Bulog, the state logistics agency. Bulog's presence in the fields to purchase paddy has significantly reduced transportation costs and ensured immediate, cash-based payments at the government-stipulated price of Rp 6,500 per kilogram for dry harvested grain (GKP).

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We farmers don't want hassle. If we sell to Bulog, the paddy is immediately transported. Farmers aren't burdened. After harvesting, we sell it directly, not take it home.

Kasunah, another farmer from Tambi village, echoed this sentiment. "We farmers don't want hassle. If we sell to Bulog, the paddy is immediately transported. Farmers aren't burdened. After harvesting, we sell it directly, not take it home," she explained. She expressed gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for setting the GKP support price at Rp 6,500 per kilogram, which she deems profitable. This direct procurement by Bulog is crucial in preventing exploitative middlemen, known as 'tengkulak,' from dictating lower prices, especially when harvests are less than ideal.

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Payment is in cash. So we go home and get money immediately. No need to transport, just sit back and relax.