Indonesia rolls out $713M rice aid for 35 million families

By VNA February 13, 2026 | 02:58 pm PT

The Indonesian government is preparing to launch a rice support programme worth nearly 12 trillion IDR (US$713 million) in the first quarter of 2026, expected to reach more than 35 million households nationwide to boost economic growth and ensure social welfare, according to Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.

The rice assistance policy is part of the government’s stimulus package aimed at bolstering economic growth in the first quarter, he said on Feb. 11.

Under the policy, each household classified as very poor or vulnerable will receive 10 kg of rice and two liters of cooking oil.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has projected national rice production in the first quarter of 2026 at 10.16 million tonnes, a sharp increase of 15.79% compared to the 8.78 million tonnes during the same period last year.

Airlangga affirmed that the national rice supply is sufficient to ensure the implementation of the programme. The Indonesian National Logistics Agency (Bulog) will be responsible for coordinating with local authorities to distribute rice and cooking oil to beneficiaries.

The official also emphasised that close coordination at all levels is a key factor in ensuring a smooth logistics chain, preventing delays or losses, and maximising the effectiveness of this humane policy amid volatile market prices.