Merah Putih Village Cooperative to Be Rice Aid Distribution Point Starting August 17

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The National Food Agency (Bapanas) said Merah Putih Village/Kelurahan Cooperative (KDKMP) will be one of the distribution points of the second phase of rice food aid that will start simultaneously on August 17, 2026. This step was done to optimize the cooperative's infrastructure while bringing the distribution services closer to the beneficiary communities.

Bapanas Food Distribution and Reserve Director Rachmi Widiriani said that KDKMP can be used as a distribution location if it has adequate warehouses and storage facilities and is close to the residence of the beneficiary's family (KPM). The utilization of cooperatives is also expected to make the process of distributing food aid more effective.

“The existing KDKMP can be one of the distribution points of food aid. If, for example, in the village there is a large KDKMP, has a large place, the warehouse is quite large, and is close to the living quarters of the recipients of food aid, it can be used as a location for an outlet. We can optimize the facilities owned by cooperatives,” Rachmi said in the Socialization of Rice Food Aid Distribution, quoted on Monday (3/8/2026).

The second phase of the food assistance program will target 33,244,408 beneficiaries with an allocation of 10 kilograms of rice per month for July, August and September 2026 distributed at once. The distribution was made on the basis of the letter of assignment of Bapanas to Perum Bulog issued on 30 July 2026.

Rachmi explained that the distribution of food aid was deliberately scheduled to coincide with the celebration of the 81st Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia so that people, especially the 1st to 4th decile groups, could feel the direct presence of the government through the social protection program.

“This distribution of food aid will take place in August in conjunction with the celebration of August 17 in all regions. The mandate from Mr. Minister of Economy and reinforced by Mr. Head of Bapanas that the channeling in August is a very good and appropriate moment,” he said.