Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspection of Talang Banjar People’s Market in Jambi City, Jambi Province, May 16, 2023

After Eid, I want to make sure that the prices are good and in fact, [the prices] for some [commodities] have decreased, only [the price] of eggs has increased slightly. It is important as inflation affects people’s purchasing power, so it must be closely monitored, must be constantly monitored. I have ordered the governor and the mayor to keep an eye on the prices in the market. And, I am pleased that inflation has decreased in Jambi, meaning that the prices can be lowered.

Journalists
What are the concrete steps, sir? What are the concrete steps to reduce inflation, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have clearly said back and forth to assist using the regional budgets of provinces, cities, and regencies to cover transportation costs from the production site to the market. It is clearly a concrete step. As for Bank Indonesia (BI), it usually reduces the circulation of money and this is common in all countries. Here, I need to continue to monitor [prices] in the market, so when the inflation goes down, the prices also go down. I hope this explains it.

Journalists
From the inspection, what concerns you, Mr. President?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There is nothing, I think it is all good in Jambi. The prices are stable and some prices have decreased, only the price of eggs has increased slightly.

Journalists
How would you lower the price of eggs?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, I also mentioned it earlier. Transportation costs should be covered by the regional budget, alright.

(FI/LW)