Jokowi Visits The Market In Alor To Ensure That The Price Of Basic Necessities Remains Affordable

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the LIPA Kalabahi People's Market, Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Thursday, to directly monitor market conditions and the prices of nine basic commodities (sembako).

During his visit, the Head of State also had a dialogue with traders and the community and checked the prices of a number of basic necessities which became the main concern.

President Jokowi said that in general the price of basic necessities at the LIPA People's Market is at a stable level, although there are slight differences compared to prices on the island of Java.

"Earlier, in the market I checked the price, especially those related to nine basic commodities. The price is good, although higher than in Java because there may be additional transportation costs. However, I think it is still in a stable position, it is reasonable," said the President, quoted by ANTARA from a statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, Thursday, October 3.

Several commodities were checked by the President, including garlic, shallots, and chilies. The President revealed that the price of garlic in the market reached Rp55 thousand per kilogram, shallots Rp50 thousand, and chilies Rp50 thousand.

"I think this is still good," he said.

The visit is part of the President's efforts to ensure that basic food prices remain affordable by people in all corners of Indonesia, especially in areas far from distribution centers such as Kalabahi, Alor Regency.

In addition to monitoring prices, the President also took the time to talk with traders regarding their business conditions and obstacles faced, especially regarding logistics and transportation.

Not only traders, the community is also enthusiastic about welcoming the President's presence in the market. They hope that the government will continue to pay attention to the needs and welfare of the people in eastern Indonesia.

"I'm very happy, from two periods, only once came, but I'm very proud because the infrastructure is very evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. Pak Jokowi is always healthy, long life," said Ismail, one of the residents in the market.