Jokowi Warns About Inflation, Heru Budi Adds Food Stock In Jakarta

Acting Governor of DKI Heru Budi Hartono (Diah Ayu-VOI)

JAKARTA - Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono admitted that he would increase food stocks in Jakarta such as rice and basic commodities. This is a follow-up to President Joko Widodo's instructions.

Jokowi warned regional heads to intervene in the potential for high inflation caused by global economic uncertainty.

"One of them (preserving inflation in Jakarta) is food security and then rice stock supply, rice availability, availability of basic commodities," said Heru in the Duren Sawit area, East Jakarta, Wednesday, October 1.

Heru said he had asked regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) in the food sector to increase food stocks that would be distributed to shopping places by up to two times.

"Yesterday I asked Dharma Jaya, Food Station, Pasar Jaya to increase stock. If the stock has been around for example for 3 days, I will increase it to 6 days. Each of them today has a meeting with the commissioner (BUMD food) to increase it," said Heru.

Previously, President Joko Widodo asked the local government (Pemda) not to hesitate to use the unexpected budget to intervene in inflation in line with the increase in rice prices. Jokowi emphasized that the unexpected budget could be used because it was regulated through the legal umbrella.

This was conveyed by Jokowi when giving directions to regional heads throughout Indonesia at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, October 30.

"I ask that there is a legal umbrella, don't hesitate to use the unexpected budget. If the name inflation increases, if there are rising prices, (then) immediately boost (availability) the supply," said Jokowi.

The national average price of rice increased by 19.8 percent compared to 2022 and rose 2.5 percent compared to the previous month.

Jokowi also warned regional heads to have the ability to intervene in policies, so that inflation due to rising foodstuffs can be controlled.

According to Jokowi, inflation of 1.1 percent to 3.5 percent at the provincial level is still under control. Then, inflation at the district level of 1.1 percent to 5.2 percent and at the city level 1.1 percent-4.2 percent can still be controlled.

He asked that if inflation is nearing the upper limit, the local government must immediately find solutions, such as ensuring stock in the market to inspect the production site if rare commodities are found in the market.

"Sometimes it's just supply and demand. The demand is fixed, the supply is not there. Look for it, go directly to the production site. Shallots, for example, (if the price) go up, look directly to Brebes, for example," Jokowi explained.

He also asked regional heads not to get caught up in daily routines, but to find food production sources whose prices are rising so as not to affect inflation.

"Look at the market, look at the stock in the district, in the province. Check, look, don't get stuck in your daily routine, daily administration; the important thing is we have to check first. This is done, then do administration. Indeed, in the market there are those who go up, some go down; but price matters, please really control it," said Jokowi.