President Jokowi Inspects Food Prices at Karawang Market

President Jokowi monitors prices of food commodities at Johar Market, Karawang, West Java, on Thursday (14/09). (Photo: Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (14/09) inspected Johar traditional market in Karawang regency, West Java province to monitor prices of several food commodities and ensure the prices remain stable.

“We have checked that the prices are under control. Only the price of rice that has not dropped yet,” the President told journalists after inspecting the Logistic Company (BULOG) Warehouse Purwosari in West Java.

Halid Hamzah, rice trader at the market, said that the price of rice has increased, reaching the average of Rp.2,000 per kilograms.

“The increase has reached the average of Rp. 2,000 per kilogram. Previously, the price of rice was Rp10,000, then it increased to Rp12,000 and now it is Rp12,500 per kilogram,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also ordered Head of BULOG to intensify market operations to make the price of rice remain stable, adding that the market operations must be carried out at all places, from retailers to wholesalers.

“I have instructed Head of BULOG to intensify market operations not only at retailers, Cipinang wholesaler but also at all places. Just provide the rice, then people must pay for it,” the President remarked. (Press and Media Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (GA/EP)