Papuaaround.com – The Papua Regional Police launched a large-scale food assistance program by distributing 165 tons of government-subsidized rice to three provinces: Papua, South Papua, and Papua Highlands. The initiative aims to ensure residents can access affordable rice ahead of the 2026 Christmas and New Year celebrations, a period when food prices typically surge.
The symbolic release of the rice distribution took place at the Papua Police Headquarters on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Deputy Chief of Papua Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani officially flagged off the convoy, accompanied by high-ranking officials from the police, regional agencies, and the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). Key attendees included the Papua Police Internal Oversight Inspector, the Director of Special Criminal Investigation, the police spokesperson, as well as representatives from the provincial agriculture, trade, and investment offices, along with several police chiefs from regency and city levels.
Breakdown of Distribution
Out of the total allocation, 95 tons were designated for Papua Province. The distribution was carried out through the Special Crime Investigation Directorate handling 20 tons, while the remaining volume was distributed through eight local police stations, including Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Keerom, Sarmi, Biak Numfor, Supiori, Waropen, and Yapen Islands. Deliveries across Jayapura and Sarmi were supported by a fleet of 12 trucks to reach various communities efficiently.
In South Papua Province, authorities prepared 40 tons of rice to be distributed evenly through four police districts — Merauke, Boven Digoel, Asmat, and Mappi — receiving 10 tons each.
Meanwhile, the Papua Highlands Province secured 30 tons of Bulog-supplied rice. These allocations were divided equally between Jayawijaya, Mamberamo Tengah, and Lanny Jaya, each receiving 10 tons to ensure residents in remote mountainous areas benefit from the program.
Commitment to Food Price Stability
Director of Special Criminal Investigation for Papua Police, Commissioner I Gde Era Adhinata, emphasized that the low-cost food movement represents police collaboration with Bulog to stabilize rice prices and mitigate economic strain on households. He noted that security forces have responsibilities beyond law enforcement, including safeguarding food resilience across communities.
“We are committed not only to security and law enforcement responsibilities but also to supporting community welfare. We expect this initiative to maintain price stability and guarantee the availability of affordable rice for local residents,” he stated.
He further explained that the government-regulated retail price ceiling for rice in Papua stands at Rp 13,500 per kilogram. Subsidized rice is sold in five-kilogram packages priced at Rp 67,500, complying with the established benchmark.
Oversight and Long-Term Target
Based on the National Police Chief’s decree issued on August 27, 2025, Papua Police are tasked with distributing a total of approximately 2.5 million kilograms of subsidized rice throughout the year.
Commissioner Era also urged residents to report any retailers selling the subsidized rice above the authorized price level. Complaints may be submitted to food security task forces at either the provincial police or district police level.
Ensuring Supply Ahead of Festive Season
Authorities expect this strategic distribution to strengthen food reserves in the region and prevent potential shortages during the high-demand end-of-year season. The police hope the program will support stable food prices and enhance economic resilience among communities in Papua, South Papua, and Papua Highlands.
“With this movement, we aim for equitable distribution and price stability throughout the region,” Commissioner Era concluded.
