TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director General of Husbandry and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Syukur Irwanto, said that state logistics company Perum Bulog does not have to conduct market operation as beef supply is still enough.

Market operation, he said, is usually done if the supply of a commodity is rare or when there’s a monopoly of the commodity.

"For now, the supply and demand is relatively balanced, especially if we import it," Syukur said on Friday, 13 June 2014.

According to Syukur, there was a loophole in the country’s existing trade system because the price of beef is high when there is an abundant supply.

"I hope The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) will step in to investigate markets that are increasingly unhealthy,” Syukur said, adding that, with such unhealthy markets, it is the consumers and local breeders are those who are mostly affected.

Before the fasting month, the firm is ready to conduct market operations all over Indonesia.

Commodities prepared for this year by the firm is not only rice but also sugar and beef. Especially for beef, Perum Bulog is expected to supply beef imported last year.

TRI ARTINING PUTRI | PINGIT ARIA