President Jokowi Checks Food Price Stability at Senggol Dumai Market

President Jokowi visits Senggol Dumai market, in Dumai city, Riau province, Saturday (06/01). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

As part of his working visit to Riau province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Saturday (06/01) inspected availability and price stability of staple food in Senggol Dumai traditional market, in Dumai city.

President Jokowi observed activities at the market and had a dialog with market traders.

“The prices are stable. There is no significant increase in the prices,” he told reporters in a press statement after the inspection.

He went on to say that the availability of rice is secured since rice stock at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) warehouse has exceeded the average.

“Rice stock at the Bulog warehouse nationally is usually between 900 (thousand) and 1.2 million tons. As of today, the amount reaches 1.8 million tons, spreading throughout Bulog warehouses in every city and province,” he explained.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said that retail price ceiling (HET) for rice has not shown any signs of decline even though rice yield during harvest season increases. This situation is caused by the increase in farmers’ costs for land rental, fertilizer, seeds, and labor.

“So, the public must understand that farmers also need to make a profit,” he said, adding that determining a price that benefits farmers while still be affordable for the public is crucial.

For the record, the market inspection is a part of the Government’s efforts to oversee and ensure the availability and price stability of staple food at traditional markets, particularly ahead of Eid al-Adha. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/MMB)