Indonesia Prepares Phase II Rice Aid for 33.24 Million Families Ahead of Independence Day

The Indonesian government is preparing to distribute Rice Food Assistance Phase II, a program aimed at supporting 33.24 million beneficiary families across the nation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure food security, safeguard public purchasing power, and stabilize rice prices throughout the second half of 2026.

For the months of July, August, and September, a total of 997,200 tons of rice will be allocated. Each eligible family will receive 10 kilograms of rice per month, amounting to 30 kilograms in total. The distribution is planned to occur simultaneously, starting August 17, 2026, a "one-shoot" approach designed to ensure beneficiaries receive the aid more quickly. The National Food Agency (Bapanas) confirmed that the program will utilize the Single Social and Economic National Data (DTSEN) version 3 from 2026, emphasizing the importance of updated recipient data to ensure aid reaches those most in need and to minimize misallocation.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, previously outlined the scale of the assistance, stating, "Three times, or for three months, ten kilos times 33,244,000. So approximately one million tons." Funding for this significant undertaking has been secured. On July 28, 2026, Bapanas announced that the Ministry of Finance approved an additional budget of Rp 17.52 trillion for the three-month rice aid program. This approval moves the funding from a proposal to a confirmed allocation, with administrative processes underway.

Bapanas Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization, I Gusti Ketut Astawa, reiterated the plan for a single, three-month distribution to expedite the program's implementation. The program's feasibility is bolstered by substantial government rice reserves. As of July 28, 2026, the State Rice Reserve held in Perum BULOG warehouses stood at 5.25 million tons. Earlier, on July 13, 2026, Perum BULOG CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani reported BULOG's rice stock at around 5.4 million tons. These reserves provide the government with the flexibility to conduct food assistance programs without compromising its ability to maintain supply and price stability. Simultaneously, BULOG continues to procure rice from domestic farmers, ensuring national production supports government reserves.