T

he Jakarta administration, in collaboration with the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), is ready to distribute 75,000 tons of rice in a bid to ensure food security as well as stabilizing prices.

“Starting from this year until March, Bulog will support us by providing 75,000 tons of rice,” Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said after the signing ceremony between the administration and Bulog at City Hall on Tuesday.

The distribution of the rice will be handled by city-owned food security company PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya and city-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya, he added. Ahok said he also hoped stable prices could prevent the hoarding of rice.

“No vendors will stockpile rice. If they attempt to do so, they will suffer losses,” said Ahok. “[This is] because our funds, stock and distribution network are sufficient.”

Bulog president director Djarot Kusumayakti said Bulog would also provide transportation facilities to support the distribution. “Sufficient stock combined with good distribution mobility is a good synergy that will provide food security for Jakartans,” he said.