President Jokowi Monitors Prices of Main Food Commodities at Samarinda Market

President Jokowi inspects some key food items’ prices at Merdeka Market, Samarinda city, East Kalimantan province, Thursday (09/21). (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (09/21) inspected prices of a number main food commodities at Merdeka traditional market in East Kalimantan provincial capital of Samarinda.

According to the President, prices of several main food commodities remain under control.

“I have checked and I am glad that the prices are under control,” the President said in his press statement after the inspection.

President Jokowi also said that prices of a number of basic food commodities such as chilis, garlics, and onions are lower. However, the price of rice at the market is still quite high and has not yet lowered.

However, President Jokowi stated that the rice assistance from the Logistics Agency (Bulog) has been started to be distributed to the market.

“We hope following market operation conducted by Bulog, the price of rice can be lower,” he said, adding that the rising price is due to El Niño that happens in seven provinces and reduces the rice supply from the farmers.

To overcome the issue, the President said that the Government is currently increasing rice supply through imports.

“Indeed, we are improving our strategic supply through import in order to cover our lower production,” he said.

Nico, a rice trader at the market, said that premium rice’s price is currently rising, but since Bulog has provided rice assistance, the price has dropped. He also expressed hope that the price of rice can one day be lower and go back to normal. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/AIT)(AW/EP)