Heaptalk, Jakarta – Affordable primary staple food both on normal days and during the period of national religious holidays (HBKN) is the hope of the citizen. This hope becomes the Government’s main focus, especially during the 2024 Ramadan.
Several strategies are carried out to anticipate surge in demand and maintain a stable primary commodity price, including Ramadan 2024 and Eid al-Fitr 1445 H, one of it by launching the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) program.
On Tuesday (12/03), Director General of Domestic Trade, Ministry of Trade Isy Karim in a written press released a statement, “Public don’t need to worry, the government is ready to enhance food stock both in traditional market, modern market, or the GPM that enacted in every district/city and province.”
As of now, the food stock availability is secured. According to the monitoring in the in the Market and Basic Needs Monitoring System (SP2KP) application, Isy Karim explained that national rice supplies are more than 1,2 million tons of rice, plus supplies for commercial purposes to 1,4 million tons.
For the price stability, the government decided not to not relaxing the highest retail price (HET), but filling the market with rice. “Stabilization of Food Supply and Prices (SPHP) deems to control the price,” Isy said.
Through this opportunity, Isy also explained the government takes a much longer term strategy. It is to prepare a cistern for water supplies, and to anticipate the possibility of El Nino by adding international rice. The government will also optimize the land around the reservoir for cultivation.
Isy Karim also explained regarding the increased rice price nearing the Ramadan 2024. He believed, it caused by the imbalance supply and demand. “Demand goes up, however the rice stock goes down. One of the factors, El Nino’s impact to hit Indonesia since 2023 causing many farmers to experience crop failure. Therefore, to stabilize supply and demand, the government is considering import steps,” he concluded.
