Gov’t Ensures Well-Managed Rice Reserves for Price Stability

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers a press statement to media crew after inspecting Purworejo Market, Purworejo regency, Central Java, Tuesday (01/02). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

The Government is committed to safeguarding rice reserve stocks to ensure the stability of rice prices amidst setbacks in the harvest season caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

“We can manage it effectively as State Logistics Agency’s (Bulog) current stock stood at a robust 1.4 million tons at the end of last year. This quantity will be further bolstered as part of strategic reserves to ensure safety amidst a delay in the harvest,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said in his press statement after inspecting Purworejo Market, Purworejo regency, Central Java province, Tuesday (01/02).

According to the President, Indonesia has experienced a less severe surge in rice prices compared to other countries despite the global increase in rice prices driven by climate change and the El Nino phenomenon.

“With climate change and a super El Nino occurring, 22 countries have halted rice exports. There was a global shock to rice and food prices. While this is affecting all countries, the price increase in our nation is not as severe as in others,” the President said.

On that occasion, the Head of State mentioned that the price of chilies in the market has decreased from the previous high levels.

“Yesterday, the prices surged significantly up to Rp120,000 for cayenne pepper as I checked it in Jakarta. Now, it has been reduced by Rp70,000. That is great,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/MUR)