Jakarta,January 10,2026 – Indonesia is extending its subsidized rice program,a move that could quell anxieties about rising food costs as the New Year settles in.The government will continue distributing affordable rice through January 31, 2026, aiming to stabilize prices and ensure access for households amid fluctuating market conditions.
Rice Program extension Aims to Shield Indonesian Consumers
The Indonesian government has prolonged its food supply and price stabilization program, ensuring continued access to subsidized rice for citizens.
- The subsidized rice program (SPHP) is extended to January 31, 2026.
- The extension is a proactive measure to anticipate price volatility around the New Year and maintain food security.
- The program is supported by the RPATA mechanism and robust rice stocks held by bulog (3.25 million tonnes).
- 802,900 tonnes of rice have already been distributed under the program, with another 697,100 tonnes allocated for 2025.
- 1.5 million tonnes of rice are allocated for the 2026 SPHP program.
What exactly is driving this decision? According to Sarwo Edhy, Secretary of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), the extension is a proactive measure to anticipate price volatility surrounding the New Year and maintain food security. “The extension is made possible through the RPATA mechanism,which has been approved by the Ministry of Finance and coordinated with the National Food Agency,” Edhy told reporters in Jakarta on Sunday.
The RPATA, or end-of-fiscal-year escrow account scheme, is regulated under Finance Minister Regulation No. 84 of 2025. It allows the state treasurer to hold funds earmarked for activities that couldn’t be completed before the fiscal year concluded, effectively providing a financial lifeline for continuing essential programs like SPHP.
A: The food supply and price stabilization program (SPHP) is a government initiative designed to maintain national food security and price stability by distributing subsidized rice to consumers through various channels.
SPHP rice distribution is considered a crucial tool for maintaining national food security and price stability. By the close of 2025,a substantial 802,900 tonnes of rice had already been distributed under the program. To further stabilize prices, officials are focused on accelerating the distribution of the remaining 697,100 tonnes allocated for 2025.
This policy is supported by robust rice stocks held by the state logistics agency Bulog, totaling 3.25 million tonnes at the end of last year. Distribution will continue through a network of channels, including Red and White Village Cooperatives, customary markets, modern retail outlets, and government-run low-cost food operations.
Looking ahead,the 2026 SPHP program will officially begin on February 1. This follows a December 29 coordination meeting on food affairs where the government agreed to allocate 1.5 million tonnes of rice for the year. Separately, the government has also extended the distribution period for rice and cooking oil under a 2025 food aid program.
As of January 9, Bulog had delivered 351,600 tonnes of rice and 70.3 million liters of cooking oil to 17.58 million beneficiaries across the nation, demonstrating a broad reach in providing essential food assistance.
