President Jokowi Inspects Food Prices at Salakan Traditional Market

President Jokowi visits Salakan Traditional Market, Banggai Islands Regency, Central Sulawesi, Tuesday (03/26). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (03/26) visited Salakan traditional market in Banggai Islands regency, Central Sulawesi province, to check prices of several food commodities and greet traders.

During the press statement after the inspection, the President mentioned that the local people are very friendly in welcoming him. Prices of several food commodities are also good.

“Rice is Rp13 thousand (per kilogram), products of SPHP (Stabilisasi Pasokan dan Harga Pangan – Stabilization of Food Supply and Prices) from BULOG (Logistic Agency) are also available here. Shallot is Rp35 thousand. Garlic, well, garlic is quite high, is Rp60 thousand. But overall, I think the prices here are good,” the President said.

A local market trader, Mrs. Mar’ah, shared her experience in meeting the President. She said that price of rice varies from Rp13 thousand to Rp15 thousand, depending on the brand and quality.

“He asked about the rice price. There is sintanur priced at Rp15 thousand, and superwin is Rp 14 (thousand), sometimes it’s Rp13.5,” she said.

Mrs. Emy, another trader, talked about the moment when President Jokowi bought Banggai sweet potato from her. “He bought some sweet potato,” she said, adding that she sold it for Rp110 thousand, but the President gave her Rp200 thousand. “I’m so happy. Thank you, Mr. Jokowi,” she exclaimed.

Syarifuddin, another trader, also expressed his joy in meeting the President. He never thought that he would get the chance to take a picture with the President.

“He is a good person, a hard worker. Every village, every place has been visited by him. We are grateful that he finally visits our place today,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AY/LW)