Prices of Main Commodities Remain Stable, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi inspects food prices at Waru Traditional Market, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, Thursday (12/21). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

Prices of several commodities such as chili and shallot remain stable, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“I have checked the prices in North Penajam Paser. I think it’s excellent. Chili [price] previously reached Rp120 [thousand] to Rp100 [thousand], but I checked just now it’s already Rp80 [thousand]. Shallot is priced at Rp30 [thousand] – Rp35 [thousand], which is also good. [Prices] of other commodities also remain stable,” the President said during the visit to Waru traditional market in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan, Thursday (12/21).

However, the President acknowledged that the price of rice has significantly increased since 2022 from Rp9,000 per kg to Rp14,000 per kg today, adding that the price hike was due to the commodity being fought over globally.

“It’s happening globally. The prices of grain, rice, and other commodities increase due to drop in production and lack of supply, causing the commodity to be fought over by all countries. All of them,” the President said, while reiterating the Government’s commitment to increasing strategic rice reserves through state-owned logistics agency BULOG to address the global market fluctuations.

“We continue to increase our stock at BULOG. We’re also trying to keep our strategic rice reserves in safe amount,” the President concluded. (FID/SM) (AY/EP)