REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government through Social Affairs Ministry has prepared a budget to procure rice supply for natural disaster in 2015.

"Our regular rice supply has decreased. We will buy 1,000 tons this year using a budget of Rp8 billion," the Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims of Social Affairs Ministry Margowiyono said here on Friday.

According to Margowiyono, the government distributes rice when natural disaster occurs in a region to fulfill food demand.

"We distribute regular rice in small disasters. We don't use Government Rice Stock (CBP)," Margowiyono said.

In dealing with a big disaster a district heads may take up to 100 tons out of the CBP while a provincial governor up to 200 tons and the central government 1,000 tons.

As an example the government distributed 453 tons worth Rp4.3 billion from the CBP to meet the needs the victims during recent Mount Sinabung eruption.

The government purchased the rice supply from the Logistics Agency (Bulog) and sent it to provinces as each province has to have a supply of 30 to 50tons.

"The stock should be fulfilled and may not be empty. So areas which are not prone to natural disasters should also have a stock which we can transfer to other areas in need later," the Director said.

The ministry coordinates with Bulog to assure immediate process of supplying.

"No evacuee may not be allowed to be hungry. The quality of rice for the stock is equal to the medium quality," Margowiyono said.

He said that several logistical stuffs have also diminished including instant noodles and side dishes. Margowiyono added the ministry is processing the purchase of the logistic stocks.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika