Rice Price Rises, Minister Of Trade Zulhas Curhat Twice Phoned By President Jokowi

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan admitted that he had received two calls from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

The topic discussed is about the stabilization of rice prices in the market. Zulkifli was asked to hold the price of rice so that it doesn't rise.

"I think the price of rice continues, the President has called twice about the price of rice. 'If you can, don't go up, Mr. President'," he said in the middle of the Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week Press Conference at the Ministry of Trade, Wednesday, October 12.

After the event, Zulhas as Zulkifli Hasan is familiarly called, explained that the increase in rice prices was triggered by the increase in grain prices.

In addition, private entrepreneurs also buy grain at high prices.

On the other hand, said Zulhas, the large number of purchases made by private companies, Perum Bulog as a price and supply stabilizer did not get a share.

As a result, rice on the market also rose.

"Well, these days the price of grain has increased, yes, because it's fighting with the private sector, while Bulog has a benchmark for HET, the highest retail price, so the price has been determined, for example, the HET budget price has bought Rp4,200, now the private sector can buy 5,000, Bulog can't buy it," he said.

Zulhas said, the price of rice is a serious concern for his party at this time. In fact, he has held an internal meeting to discuss stock stabilization and market prices steps.

"Now, Mr. President has ordered us not to go up (rice). What is needed to stabilize this price is to report to him," he said.

On that occasion, Zulhas revealed that his party was planning to draw up a new scheme in order to stabilize prices. He said, there might be a price subsidy scheme or a rice transport subsidy.

"Everything (which) is needed, of course, we will fulfill it later if the price (of other principals) is subsidized. Later, we will discuss rice, whether the transportation is subsidized or if there is a price difference, the price is subsidized, we will talk about this again," he said.

Even so, Zulhas asked the public not to worry about the price of rice.

He ensured that the price of rice issued by Bulog did not change.

"We ask the public not to worry, Bulog's price will not change, it doesn't go up from Bulog, premium market terms, Bulog rice will still not go up," he said.