Govt to Maintain Commodity Prices Ahead of Ramadan
Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution during the Coordination Meeting on Preparation for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1440 H at the Office of Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Jakarta, Thursday (25/4). (Photo by: PR of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)
The Government will maintain the availability and price stability of basic commodities, transportation, and fuel oil (BBM) ahead of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr, according to Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution.
The Minister made the statement after the Coordination Meeting on Preparation for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1440 H at the Office of Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Jakarta, Thursday (25/4).
The inflation rate during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in the last two years has declined. Inflation is under control as food and rice price remain stable. However, air transportation becomes the Government’s concern, Darmin said.
The Coordinating Minister expressed his hope that the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) would maintain prices and availability of staple food (rice, cooking oil, meat, sugar and shallots, garlic, and red chili). Bulog is also expected to take part in stabilizing the price, yet still considering to take into account both producers and consumers’ interests.
In addition, the Minister reminded Bulog to inspect the warehouses in surplus areas (such as in rice harvest) and in deficit areas so that the price can be controlled at the consumer level.
Darmin also said that Minister of Trade, National Logistics Agency, and Food Task Force are expected to cooperate in curbing Supply Availability and Price Stabilization (KPSH) to control inflation activity before the National Religious Holidays (HBKN).
In the meantime, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi assured that this year’s mudik (an annual exodus ahead of Eid al Fitr) would be relatively in a better condition.
The Government is commited to turning the traffic congestion into safety traffic. Infrastructures are getting ready and toll roads will support land transportation sector, Budi said.
He went on to say that State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) and private sectors will provide mass transportation during mudik season to minimize personal vehicle transportations.
On that occasion, Budi also said that the Government will control flight ticket prices because the impact will affect the tourism sector.
The Government will conduct a follow-up meeting between Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Minister of Transportation, and the Airline companies to decide policies, Budi added.
Regarding the availability of fuel, Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) M. Fanshurullah Asa stated that his team has prepared the National Center for Energy and Mineral Resources that will coordinate with energy sector stakeholders, field officers, and business entities.
This national post will also monitor several areas such as congestion-prone areas, supply-prone areas, National Vital Objects , disaster-prone areas, and news from various credible sources ahead of 2019 Eid al-Fitr and after, Fanshurullah said.
The Head of BPH Migas also reported that fuel stocks are stable, including Premium (ready for 27 days); Pertalite (21 days); Pertamax (20 days); Pertamax Turbo (38 days); Solar / Bio (24 days); Pertamina Dex (47 days); Avtur (28 days). Meanwhile, LPG stock is normal; 363 thousand Metric Ton which is able to meet the needs for 18 days.
Overall, the energy sector is ready. the Head of BPH Migas said.
Also present during the coordination-meeting were, among others, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, and representatives of relevant ministries/agencies. (PR of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy / ES)
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Edited by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman/Yuyu Mulyani
