TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo claimed that prices of nearly all basic needs have dropped ahead of the 2023 Eid al-Fitr. He made the conclusion after conducting an impromptu visit to Johar Baru Market and Rawamangun Market in Central Jakarta, Wednesday, April 5.

“We have monitored that there is no problem in the supply. The price of many commodities has even declined, such as eggs, chicken meat, rice, onion, while the price of beef slightly increases,” said Jokowi in Johar Baru Market, Central Jakarta, Wednesday.

He mentioned that the price drop of the basic commodities was in line with the report of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) that there would be a deflation ahead of the Islamic holiday. Although the prices plummeted, the state head ensured that farmers would not incur losses, especially rice farmers.

“The price of dried unhusked rice (GKP) has risen from Rp4,000 to Rp5,000, and in the field, it is above Rp5,000. But the fact is, the rice price drops, which is good,” Jokowi said.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan or Zulhas said the price of a number of basic commodities is slowly rising during Ramadan. Thus, he reminded business players and traders not to benefit from the Eid holiday by rising the price significantly.

“We deeply demand business actors and traders not to do foul play [in the prices]. It’s okay to increase the price but don’t exaggerate it,” Zulhas said in East Jakarta, Saturday, April 1.

He also said that the National Police’s Food Task Force will keep monitoring the supply and price of basic needs in the community so traders who commit fraudulent acts can be addressed immediately.

According to Zulhas, the Food Task Force will also seize the stock and seal a warehouse belonging to business actors hoarding basic needs during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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