Jakarta — The government is preparing a special measure to reduce rice prices in Papua, where prices remain higher than the national average. Although rice prices across the country have generally stabilized, Papua is considered to require additional attention through a distribution intervention under the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program.
Acting Secretary General of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Sarwo Edhy, explained that conditions in Papua differ from other regions.
“Rice prices at the national level are relatively normal, except in Papua,” he said at the Military Sea Transportation Command (Kolinlamil) headquarters, Tanjung Priok Port, Friday (Dec 5, 2025).
To stabilize prices in the region, the government will launch a special SPHP rice program for Papua. The launch is expected to be led directly by the National Police Chief, together with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Bapanas.
“If everything goes as planned, the SPHP rice for Papua will be launched on Tuesday. We hope this will bring rice prices in Papua back to standard levels,” Sarwo noted.
Simultaneous Distribution, Costs Covered by the State
The SPHP rice rollout will take place simultaneously from filial warehouses already operating in every district and municipality across Papua. According to Sarwo, the key difference in this new scheme lies in the distribution cost mechanism.
Previously, distribution costs were borne by retailers, distributors, or state-owned food enterprises. Now, the government will cover the entire shipping cost from the point of origin to Papua.
“Distribution expenses from the origin warehouse—say from Makassar—to Papua will now be calculated and paid by the government. This is the main change,” he explained.
With this subsidized distribution, SPHP rice prices in Papua will follow the price ceiling for the Eastern Indonesia region, set at Rp13,500 per kilogram. Sarwo emphasized that the price will not be adjusted to zone 1’s ceiling of Rp12,500 per kilogram.
He also acknowledged that prices for premium, medium, and SPHP rice in Papua have often exceeded the regulated price ceiling, leading the government to introduce this new distribution scheme to ensure prices comply with official standards.
Stricter Price Enforcement
The government also stressed that once the program is officially implemented, selling SPHP rice above the regulated price ceiling will not be tolerated.
“If there are still sellers charging above the ceiling, they will face action from the Food Task Force. Of course, we will issue warnings first,” Sarwo added.
