BIREUEN — The Government of Bireuen Regency, in partnership with Indonesia’s state logistics agency, BULOG (Aceh Regional Office), is planning the construction of a storage warehouse and a modern rice processing plant in Pandrah District. The initiative aims to strengthen food security and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
The plan was discussed during a meeting between Bireuen Regent Ir. Mukhlis, ST, and senior officials from BULOG Aceh at the Regent’s office on Wednesday (6 May 2026).
Attendees included Deputy Regional Head of BULOG Aceh Alhori, Operations and Public Services Manager Suhadi, Head of BULOG Lhokseumawe Branch Muhammad Iqbal, and Assistant Manager of Public Services M. Ivand Muharir.
Regent Mukhlis expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasising the need for Aceh to achieve greater food self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on supplies from other regions, particularly North Sumatra.
“Bireuen has considerable agricultural potential. However, reliance on external markets has often affected local price stability. With the establishment of a modern rice processing plant, we expect farmers and local businesses to strengthen, ensuring that the added value of agricultural output is retained within Bireuen,” he said.
He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting strategic measures to maintain price stability and food availability, beginning with strengthening infrastructure at the regency level.
Following the meeting, the Regent and the BULOG delegation conducted a site visit to the proposed development area in Cot Batee Geulungku Village, Pandrah District.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the site is strategically located and suitable for large-scale warehouse operations and a modern rice processing facility. Technical teams from BULOG and the Bireuen administration are set to carry out further evaluations, including accessibility, supporting infrastructure, and integration with surrounding productive farmland.
The project is expected to improve the absorption of farmers’ paddy, while modern processing technology will enhance rice quality to compete in the national market. It is also seen as a key step in strengthening food security in Bireuen Regency and across Aceh Province.
The Bireuen Government stated it will continue to oversee the process through to implementation, in line with its commitment to achieving sustainable food sovereignty.
