MUI Concerned About Skyrocketing Prices Of Basic Needs, Asks Jokowi's Government To Work Hard To Overcome

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) encourages the government to work hard to overcome the increase in the price of a number of basic commodities, especially during Ramadan.

"We are certainly very concerned about this kind of situation. At a time when Muslims are fasting in the month of Ramadan and very weak economic growth is exacerbated by skyrocketing prices of basic necessities," said MUI Chair Jeje Zaenudin in a written statement quoted by Antara, Friday, April 8 .

Jeje understands the difficulties the government is facing. Moreover, the government has a number of strategic programs that require a large budget.

But on the other hand, he said, the community asked that controlling the prices of basic necessities be prioritized over giant projects that are not in direct contact with the livelihoods of the wider community.

In order to avoid a shortage of goods in the market, Jeje appealed to the public to be frugal and control themselves from consumptive culture during Ramadan. Ramadan, he said, is a momentum to keep oneself from lust, including consumptive behavior.

"Avoid and reduce spending on goods and items that are not too important. The momentum of Ramadan is important as a cultural spirit to live frugally and modestly, especially in the face of current economic difficulties," he said.

Previously, Head of the Center for Food Availability and Food Insecurity of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Andriko Noto Susanto stated that the government continues to monitor the condition of supply availability and prices of nine basic commodities in various regions in Indonesia.

Bapanas is also intensely collaborating with food security offices in 34 provinces and 514 districts and cities. The aim is to monitor and ensure the stabilization of supply and prices of the nine basic commodities.

"Then we carry out regular monitoring of these nine basic ingredients and we make sure every month it is safe or not. If for example it is not safe, where is the problem?" he said.