Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspection of Bulog Purwasari Warehouse in East Karawang, Karawang Regency, West Java Province, September 14, 2023
This is the continuance of food assistance in the form of rice that will be distributed in September, October, and November. We are giving 21.3 million beneficiary families each 10 kilo[grams]. Thus, every month, 10,000 tons [of rice] from Bulog warehouses will be distributed to the people because the number of beneficiary families is 21.3 million. That is all.
Reporter
How are prices of staple food at the market, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
We have checked that the prices are under control. Only the price of rice that has not decreased, but I already told…
Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan
Egg [price] decreased, Sir. Only egg [prices] decreased, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
Egg [price] decreased. It is usually above Rp30,000, but it was Rp26,000, it decreased. I have ordered the Head of Bulog to intensify market operations not only at retailers, wholesalers, Cipinang but also at all places. Just provide the rice, then people must pay for it.
Reporter
About the largest battery factory, Sir. Will any other investors be invited, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
Yes, PT HLI Green Power by the beginning of the year will have already produced 30 million battery cells, which can be used to produce approximately 180,000 cars. That is the largest in Southeast Asia, the first in Southeast Asia and currently the largest in Southeast Asia. Afterward, there will be the second one, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited). Following CATL, there will be the third and the fourth. That is what I often say, building a large EV ecosystem building a large EV battery ecosystem, building a large electric vehicle ecosystem so that we can enter the global supply chains. Only then will other countries be dependent on our battery cells. Only then will they depend on our EV battery. That is all.
Reporter
One more question, Sir. Will the National Strategic Project of Jakarta-Surabaya semi-high-speed train be continued or delayed?
President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
Everything is still being studied. If it is feasible, we will work on it. If it is infeasible, we will not.
(DH/MUR)