Hearing Prices Soar High Ahead Of Christmas-New Year, Airlangga Holds Inspection At Bali's Phula Kerti Market

DENPASAR - Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, held a surprise inspection (Sidak) at Phula Kerti Market, Denpasar, Bali, Saturday, December 18. The operation on the price of basic needs is carried out in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas Day 2021 and the new year 2022.

Airlangga admitted that he heard many complaints about the high price of cooking oil in the market. In addition, he also received complaints about concerns about the availability of necessities ahead of Christmas and the new year. During his visit, Airlangga directly asked the traders at Phula Kerti Market about the availability of necessities and their prices.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy said that one of the traders complained about rising cooking oil prices. Previously, the price of 1 liter of cooking oil was only IDR 14 thousand, now it is IDR 18 thousand.

"Earlier, someone sold IDR 18 thousand, after I checked directly, the seller immediately lowered it to the normal price of IDR 14 thousand per liter for cooking oil. The price of this cooking oil must be affordable", said Airlangga, during an inspection at the Phulakerti Market, Denpasar, Bali, quoted from a release, Saturday, December 18.

In addition to the price of cooking oil, the price of chili also experienced a significant increase, from IDR 20,000 per kilogram to IDR 80,000 per kilogram. The increase in chili prices is thought to be because it is currently the middle of the rainy season.

The increase also occurred in fruits and vegetables. However, the increase in fruit and vegetable prices was not too high, only IDR 2,000.

"I asked the traders directly, what are their complaints, what are their aspirations, later I will convey them directly to the Minister of Trade (Minister of Trade)", said Airlangga.

The chairman of the Golkar Party added that apart from accommodating the direct aspirations of the traders, he and his wife Yanti Airlangga also shopped directly at the market.

"Shopping for vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, and Balinese food. This is also a form of helping small traders in the market", he said.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy said he was happy with the opinion of traders who could access People's Business Credit (KUR). Market traders admit that they can increase their selling capital by IDR 25 million from the KUR loan.

"Traders are very happy because each of them can receive IDR 25 million for additional capital, but without collateral", said Airlangga.

Airlangga said his presence was also to ensure that health protocols were still implemented at the Phula Kerti Market.

He admitted, based on his sudden review, the people in the Phulakerti Market area were disciplined in implementing health protocols.

Both traders and visitors wear masks, keep their distance, and market conditions are now getting cleaner. In this market operation, Airlangga was accompanied by Deputy Mayor of Denpasar, I Gusti Ngurah Jaya, and Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Demer Sumarjaya Linggih.