President Jokowi Monitors Price Stability during Ramadan at Sungai Ringin Sekadau Market

President Jokowi visits Sungai Ringin Market in Sekadau regency, West Kalimantan province, on Thursday, March 21, 2024

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Thursday (03/21), visited Sungai Ringin Market in Sekadau regency, West Kalimantan province to directly monitor price stability and the availability of basic necessities during Ramadan (the fasting month) and ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The President noted that although the prices of some basic commodities experience an increase, overall, the prices remain stable.

“As we enter Ramadan and approach Eid al-Fitr, the prices of certain items may rise, but not much,” said the President in a statement to the media after the inspection.

He also mentioned that rice prices at Sungai Ringin Market are at a reasonable level, with medium rice priced at Rp13,000 and SPHP rice at Rp10,800. Meanwhile, the prices of shallots and garlic are also stable.

“I think it’s similar to what we have in Java [island],” the President remarked.

Regarding egg price, the President stated that egg price in Sekadau regency is higher than Java island due to transportation costs.

“The item that increases relatively higher compared to Java is egg, that’s all,” the President added.

During the visit, the President also observed that the average price of chicken meat is between Rp45,000 to Rp48,000. According to him, the price is reasonable since Sekadau’s geographical location causes higher transportation costs.

“In the inspection, the price of chicken meat is around 45 thousand to 48 thousand, slightly higher than Java, but it is still reasonable because it is influenced by transportation cost,” the President said.

One of trice traders at Sungai Ringin Market, Afung, mentioned that current rice prices are affordable for the community. Afung also explained that Bulog’s rice is sold in the market at Rp58,000 per 5 kilograms.

“So, it brings benefit to the community because the prices of rice were quite high previously due to perhaps crop failure, but now, thankfully, the harvest is good and the prices are starting to decrease,” Afung said.

President Jokowi also expressed gratitude for the improved harvest conditions in the regions that contribute to the decrease in rice prices. Afung also thanked the President for the visit and expressed hope that the capital assistance provided would improve his business.

“It’s good news that the village has had a successful harvest. Thank you for the visit and the assistance to increase the capital,” Afung expressed.(BPMI SETPRES/AIT) (APN/MMB)