Jakarta, Sept. 3 -- The Indonesian government is focusing on measures to stabilize the prices and supplies of rice in 214 districts and cities, where the commodity is still being sold above the highest retail price (HET).

In a statement cited here on Wednesday, National Food Agency (Bapanas) Head Arief Prasetyo Adi explained that among the steps taken is mobilizing state-run logistics company Bulog to distribute rice valued under market prices.

"While the HET for medium-grade rice is at Rp13,500 per kilogram in zone 1, Bulog offers rice for Rp12,500 (US$0.76) per kilogram. We intend this initiative to help people access rice at a more affordable price and to lower prices in the market," he elaborated.

The zone 1 he referred to encompas...