Ahead Of Ramadan, DPD Asked The Government To Maintain Stocks Of Basic Materials

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of DPD, Nono Sampono, asked the government to anticipate price increases and shortages of staple food stocks ahead of Ramadan. This is because the demand for these commodities will increase during the holy month, even approaching Eid.

"The situation ahead of Ramadan is predictable, we can learn from previous experiences," said Nono to reporters, Friday, March 5.

According to him, the availability of sufficient stock and price stability in the market are vital for the community.

"So I think the condition of the scarcity of stocks and rising prices can actually be anticipated so that the community is not burdened," he said.

The senator from Maluku also asked the government to identify the readiness of related ministries / agencies, local governments, and business actors in meeting demand and maintaining price stability of staples.

He assessed that the government needs to go directly into the field, such as the people's market, retail, Bulog warehouses and distributors in all provinces. Given the pandemic conditions and disaster events that have recently occurred also have an effect on smooth distribution.

"The Ministry of Trade or related institutions needs to coordinate with local governments and food business actors to ensure adequate stock of staples in all regions. Because certainly pandemics and disasters will affect the smooth running of supplies, "said Nono.

Nono hopes that the adequacy of staples and other important materials is not only met from imports. The government also has to optimize basic materials from its own country.

"I think the fulfillment of food stocks to anticipate high demand ahead of Ramadan is not only done through imports. But you should also optimize the basic ingredients in this country itself, "he said.

In order to maintain price stability, Nono also encouraged the police to participate in preventing the hoarding of staples to keep prices normal.

"The National Police's Food Task Force should also move, continue to coordinate with other cross-sectoral sectors in trade and industry to minimize the accumulation of staples," said Nono.