President Jokowi Inspects Food Prices, Market Infrastructure at Mamasa Market

President Jokowi visits Mamasa Traditional Market, Mamasa Regency, West Sulawesi, Tuesday (04/23). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

Prices of several food commodities in West Sulawesi Province are stable compared to those in other provinces, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“I saw the prices here are stable compared to in other provinces. Shallot is at Rp33,000, chili is Rp40,000, which is also good. Price of rice starts from Rp11,000 for the local ones, which is excellent,” the President said during his visit to Mamasa regency, West Sulawesi province, Tuesday (04/23).

During the visit, the President also inspected infrastructure at Mamasa provisional market.

The Head of State also praised the quality and price of local rice, saying that it should be followed by other provinces.

“I saw the prices here are stable compared to those in other provinces. Shallot is at Rp33,000, chili is Rp40,000 which is also good, then rice starts from Rp11,000 for the local ones, which is excellent,” the President said.

Regarding the current market condition, President Jokowi reinforced his commitment to building a new market to respond to the local needs for a better trade facility. However, the President ordered the local government to provide another site nearby.

“We will build a market, but I have asked Mr. Regent to provide another location nearby. We cannot relocate the market too far away as the consumers are around this location,” the President stated.

Kristina, a vegetable trader, expressed hope that the market construction could be realized as Mamasa only has a provisional market for a decade.

“I hope our President could see our condition today in Mamasa as it really needs his full attention,” she said.

Herwan, another vegetable trader, also expressed the same hope. “Mamasa has no market. I hope we will have a permanent market soon,” he said.

During his visit in Mamasa, President Jokowi also reiterated the importance of infrastructure development to support local economic activities.

The establishment of a new market, he added, will strengthen the trade structure in Mamasa and provide better economic stability for traders and local people. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (AY/EP)