Jayapura, Papua — Bulog Papua has distributed 175 tons of free rice to the people of Jayapura Regency in the first phase of assistance. The distribution took place from June to July 2025 and targets residents who have been registered by the National Food Agency.
Ahmad Mustari, Head of Bulog Papua Regional Office, explained that the rice distribution is carried out at designated points where eligible residents must present their ID cards to collect the rice. “The beneficiary data is complete and verified across 19 districts,” he said while sending off the rice trucks at the Ceremony Ground of the Jayapura Regent’s Office, Gunung Merah, Sentani, on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Ahmad emphasized that the rice assistance is provided free of charge, so residents do not need to buy it. For the next phase, Bulog will await further instructions from the National Food Agency regarding the continuation of the distribution.
Meanwhile, Jayapura Regent Yunus Wonda welcomed the assistance and hoped the program would help alleviate the burden on the community, especially in meeting their food needs. “In addition to Bulog’s assistance, the local government is also implementing a program providing one ton of rice per village, which is currently underway,” Wonda said.
Furthermore, Wonda stated that collaboration between the central and regional governments in food aid programs will continue to ensure that the people do not face food insecurity. Moving forward, the government plans to provide regular food aid every four months to 139 villages in Jayapura Regency.
“In December, we will double the amount of assistance to ensure the community remains stable as we enter the new year,” the Regent said.
With a relatively small population, Wonda is optimistic that food needs in Jayapura Regency can be adequately met through these various assistance programs.
