TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo instructed state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and local governments to hold more bazaars offering food commodities at cheaper prices in anticipation of El Nino which is predicted to disrupt crop production.

“I have ordered SOEs, as well as governors, all governors, regents, and mayors to hold more markets in the regions as much as possible,” he said after inspecting the People's Market held at Rampal Square, Malang City, East Java, on Monday, July 24, 2023.

More social assistance

In addition to the bazaar, the President also ordered state-owned enterprises and regional governments to increase the amount of basic food assistance for people in need.

He emphasized that El Nino is an unpredictable climate phenomenon, so preventive measures are needed to deal with the impact it would cause.

“We hope that when El Nino comes, people won't be shocked because of the heat that can actually affect health, and because it can also disrupt food supply if it does happen,” the President said.

The man who is the former governor of Jakarta said several countries have experienced the effects of El Nino, including India and Vietnam that decide to halt the export of rice. Therefore, to prevent food shortages from occuring in Indonesia, Jokowi asked all parties to be prepared.

During his visit to Malang, Jokowi was accompanied by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, SOE Minister Erick Thohir, and East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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