Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inspection of Cepogo Market in Boyolali Regency, Central Java Province, April 10, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Minister of Trade and I as well as Governor of Central Java inspected the latest prices nearing Eid. Apparently, all prices we saw here have decreased. Chili pepper costs Rp20,000, tabasco pepper costed Rp80,000-Rp90,000, but now it costs Rp20,000. How much does egg cost?

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

Rp25,000, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Rp25,000. It was above Rp30,000. How about garlic?

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

Rp25,000 per ounce, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Rp24,000-Rp25,000. Meat?

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

Chicken meat costs Rp32,000, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Rp32,000.

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

All prices decreased nearing Eid, thank God.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

All prices decreased. It is probably because there is a lot of production supply, thus the price decreased. This is good.

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

If someone hoards supply to increase prices, the task force will take action, Sir. It is quick, so the goods are always available. Thank God, nearing Eid with Mr. Jokowi, the prices dropped. Thank God. This is the first time.

Reporter

What about food supply, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, if the prices dropped, it means that there is a lot of supply. That is the economic theory.

Reporter

(inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, I have stated that there is a lot of supply. A lot of supply means prices must drop. Because the prices decreased, it means that there is a lot of supply.

Reporter

Will the supply suffice until Eid?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, there are only two weeks left. I suppose the prices will continue to drop, God willing. Rice prices also decreased a little. It’s good.

Minister of Trade (Zulkifli Hasan)

Rice price has decreased by Rp500, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes. Alright.

Reporter

What about mudik (annual exodus), Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Governors of mudik destinations, including Central Java, East Java, and West Java must all be ready for mudik since approximately 123 millions of our people will mudik at once. Last year, there were 86 [million people]. This time there will be 123 million [people]. Be careful of this. I have warned Minister of Transportation, Chief of the Indonesian National Police, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, and those in charge of sea transportation. Governors, regents, and mayors must prepare because the number surged from 86 million to 123-124 million.

Reporter

What about the preparation for functional toll roads, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Toll roads whose construction has been completed will be opened nearing Eid so that they can be used to reduce congestion. After Eid, they will be checked again, prepared, and fully operationalized.

(DH/MMB)