President Jokowi Inspects Prices in Pasar Baru Karawang

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo directly inspected food supplies and prices in Pasar Baru traditional market in Karawang regency, West Java province, Wednesday (05/08).

“I think the prices are good, meaning that the inflation rate will also decrease compared to last month,” the President told the press after the inspection.

In addition, the President said that the prices of a number of staple foods have dropped. The price of shallots is at Rp45,000 per kg, while the price of garlic is at Rp38,000 to Rp40,000.

“Also, the price of locally produced rice is between Rp12,000 and Rp13,000,” the President said.

On availability, the President also said that currently, the rice stock in the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) is sufficient at around 1.6 million tons.

“The stock in Bulog is currently at 1.6 million. Usually, we only stock a maximum of 1.2 (million) or often below 1.2 (million) on average. Currently, there are 1.6 (million) stocks in Bulog,” the President said.

The President also said that the Government has taken several measures to mitigate the impact of the dry season, including installing pumping wells in areas experiencing water shortages. “Especially in areas involving rice farming, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing have started this,” the President said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (FI/LW)