Jokowi Asks His Staff To Keep Food Stocks And Prices Ahead Of Ramadan

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked related ministries/agencies to maintain food price supplies and stability ahead of the month of Ramadan from mid-March to April 2024.

He conveyed the order at the plenary session of the Preparation of Ramadan and Eid 1445 H, the Government's Work Plan, the Macro Economic Framework (KEM), and the Principles of Fiscal Policy (PPKF) in 2025, which was held at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday. "In March we will enter the month of Ramadan and in April we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. I ask all relevant ministries/agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the community can worship in peace and sincerity," said President Jokowi as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, 26 February.

In addition to maintaining stock and prices for basic necessities, Jokowi also instructed that the distribution of all social protection packages could be accelerated.

Then, the President asked related ministries/agencies to prepare infrastructure and transportation modes that will be used by the community for Eid homecoming.

"I think we always prepare it every year because this is an annual activity," said Jokowi.

Previously, Head of the National Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi said the government would continue to intervene in the market to balance food prices in the market.

He emphasized that it will take time for the balance of prices to be achieved at the producer and consumer levels.

However, he said, this has been taken into good account by the government so that people do not need to worry about food prices which are currently uncertain.

"So it's true, the government has several programs as a form of market intervention to balance food prices," he said.

The first intervention is through the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) which is also carried out by Bulog, then the next intervention is the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program which is channeled to modern retailers, traditional markets, and the main market.