Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspecting Market and Handing Over Cash Assistance to Vendors of Johar Baru Market, Central Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta Province, April 5, 2023

Reporters
How was the inspection, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ahead of Eid, Minister of Trade and I wanted to monitor, first, the stock and second, the price. Based on the inspection, supply of staple food is sufficient although prices of a number of commodities have dropped. [Prices of] egg, chicken, rice, and shallot have dropped, while meat price has increased. A slight increase.

 I think it’s great as the drop is in line with the observation from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which has recorded deflation. It is good since the prices of goods declined ahead of Eid. That was my observation.

Reporters
Does the drop still benefits farmer?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, since the price of dried unhusked rice at local mills increased from Rp4,200 to Rp5,000. Nevertheless, we found many set the price above Rp5,000. If the price of rice has dropped, it is good news.

Reporters
The BPS considered the low inflation is caused by weak people’s purchasing power? 

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, we can see it from various points of views. One thing for sure, prices of many commodities have dropped. It’s a good thing. Thus, the drop in prices will strengthen people’s purchasing power. Anything else?

Reporters
Sir, what about Asset Confiscation Bill?  

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Asset Confiscation Bill is an initiative from the Government and we will support the House of Representatives to pass the bill into a law. The process is ongoing. We hope Asset Confiscation Law will make the process particularly in corruption case easier. It will be solved once they have been proven guilty because we have a clear legal umbrella.

Reporters
Sir, any statement on the dismissal of Pak Hendar from the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) which was rejected by the Police Chief?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We must understand that there are different mechanisms, rules, SOPs in each institution. Just adhere to them. We do hope the job rotation/transfer would not create commotion. There are rules for everything; we just need to know the mechanism and rules. (RAS/EP)