Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection of Cipinang Central Market, East Jakarta City, Jakarta Province, February 15, 2024
Journalist
So, how was the inspection, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I come to Cipinang Central Market to ensure that rice stock here is available because from this market, the rice will be distributed to retail stores, supermarkets, and regional markets. So, I want to make sure that the rice stock is available and [the amount is] sufficient. I also see that the stock is abundant.
Journalist
So, what has caused the rare stock and the increasing price of rice, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, the supply. The supply is hindered because the harvested rice has not entered the market yet. The distribution is also impeded due to floods in Demak regency and Grobogan regency, affecting the supply. However, I think the problem has been addressed by distributing rice stock at the State Logistics Agency (BULOG) to the regions and Cipinang Central Market. We will monitor it. I think within a week or two, the rice price will decrease slightly, while we are waiting for the harvest. If the great harvest comes, the price will be normal.
Journalist
Sir, anything to do with the food aid from the Government, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What?
Journalist
Is the increasing price related to the social assistance from the Government?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There is no correlation with the rice aid at all. There’s no correlation at all with the [increasing] price. It can give control since the supply is distributed through social aid to the people, so the price is under control. Otherwise, the price will jump higher. It is the law of supply and demand.
Journalist
Some say that the retail price is lower than the market price, what do you think, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The supply is provided and distributed well so automatically the price is under control.
Journalist
Sir, there is a speculation that entrepreneurs demand that the retail price should be increased, the entrepreneurs demand that the retail price should be increased.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There is no discussion about it yet.
Journalist
What is the problem that hinders the distribution, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Basically, give what the market needs, give what the regions need, be it SPHP rice (rice provided for stabilizing food supply and price) or commercial rice, the stock is available.
Journalist
So, what hinders the distribution, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, this is a big country. We must realize that. And it consists of many islands. So, if the distribution is sometimes hindered, that is the problem that we must solve, but it does not happen in general.
Journalist
Sir, so the market will be under control this week, Sir? Will the supply in retail stores and market be under control again?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We have already checked that the supply is abundant. It is abundant here. Then, from here, it will be distributed to retail stores, traditional markets, stores, from here, and also to the regions.
Journalist
So, the target is to get the supply under control this week, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Today, we have already checked that the supply is abundant and ready to be distributed to the markets, retail stores, local markets. All of it. You can check it directly to the sellers’ reserves. Check, check, and check.
(AW/EP)