Rice Prices Climb, Lampung's Bulog to Distribute 39,300 Tons of SPHP Rice by Year-End

BANDAR LAMPUNG, KOMPAS – The selling price of rice in several traditional and modern markets in Lampung has gradually increased over the past week. In response to this price fluctuation, Bulog Lampung has begun distributing rice for supply and price stabilization or SPHP from July to December 2025.

The Regional Leader of Perum Bulog Lampung Office, Nurman Susilo, stated that SPHP has begun to be distributed through kios in markets that have partnered with Bulog. In addition, the distribution of SHPH is also carried out through red and white village cooperatives, government-owned assisted kiosks, and affordable food movements.

"The food supply and price stabilization program has begun to be implemented. Bulog has been assigned to distribute 39,300 tons of SPHP rice from July to December 2025," said Nurman while providing a statement in Bandar Lampung, on Wednesday (16/7/2025).

According to him, each kiosk will receive a maximum supply of 2 tons per week. Kiosks that have partnered with Bulog are required to display banners and notifications of the highest retail price for SPHP rice at Rp 12,500 per kilogram so that consumers are informed.

SPHP rice may only be sold to end consumers or to those in need. The purchase of SPHP rice is limited to a maximum of two packages or 10 kilograms to ensure that the program is targeted effectively.

Bulog is also tightening the distribution of SPHP rice. Only kiosks in the market are allowed to receive the distribution of SPHP rice. Kiosks in residential areas are not permitted to receive SPHP rice distribution to prevent practices of misappropriation.

So far, Nurman stated, there have been no findings related to the practices of diversion or adulteration of SPHP rice. However, Bulog Lampung has previously discovered retail traders selling SPHP rice above the HET.

After investigation, the retail trader admitted to receiving SPHP rice supplies from another trader. From this finding, Bulog ultimately tightened the distribution channels to ensure that SPHP rice is only sold to end consumers or the public. This is important to ensure that the rice prices are in accordance with the HET.

Kios that are proven to have committed violations will also face strict sanctions in the form of partnership termination. Traders who intentionally engage in violation practices may also be subject to criminal penalties.

Nurman added that his side is still continuing to absorb farmers' rice at the government purchase price (HPP) of Rp 6,500 per kg. From a target absorption of 143,000 tons throughout 2025, Bulog has absorbed 139,900 tons, equivalent to 97 percent.

Therefore, Bulog Lampung urges the public not to panic regarding the availability of rice in the market. The stock at Bulog is sufficient. They are also prepared to intervene to maintain the stability of rice prices.

Currently, the rice stock in the Bulog warehouse in Lampung amounts to 151,857 tons. "This is a very large stock for Bulog Lampung over the past 10 years," he stated.

The purpose of distributing SPHP rice is certainly to stabilize rice prices in the market. The distribution of SPHP rice, which will continue until the end of the year, is expected to prevent rice prices from soaring further.

Nurman added that the distribution of SPHP rice is also carried out alongside the rice food assistance program for underprivileged communities. His party will begin distributing food assistance to 732,982 beneficiary families. The rice quota to be distributed amounts to 14,659 tons.

"For food assistance in June-July 2025, the distribution will be consolidated in July 2025. Each recipient will receive 20 kg of rice," he said.

Currently, they are providing technical guidance to the implementing officers who will assist Bulog Lampung in distributing the food aid. The officers are members of the community/village representatives, such as youth organizations or social welfare centers present in the village.

Meanwhile, Kompas reports that rice prices have been rising since last week. Medium-grade rice is priced at around Rp 13,000–Rp 13,500 per kilogram (kg), while premium rice is priced at Rp 14,000–Rp 16,000 per kg, depending on the brand.

This is a very large stock for Bulog Lampung over the past 10 years.

Nimah (60), one of the rice traders in Natar District, South Lampung Regency, Lampung, stated that from April to June 2025, the price of medium rice was still around Rp 12,000 - Rp 12,500 per kg. However, the price has now increased.

According to him, the price of rice has increased in line with the end of the wet harvest season. This condition has led to a decrease in the stock of unhusked rice, resulting in an increase in the price of unhusked rice at the farmer level. Currently, the price of dry unhusked rice at the farmer level reaches Rp 7,000 – Rp 8,000 per kg.

"The rice mills are starting to have difficulty finding stock of unhusked rice from farmers. Even if there is some available, the price is already high. This is what is causing the price of rice in the market to also increase," he said.