Claims Of The Minister Of Agriculture Amran Market Operations Successfully Maintain Stability Of Depok Prices During Ramadan
JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman claims that market operations carried out by the government have succeeded in maintaining price stability of basic commodities during the month of Ramadan. This he stated during a gathering with the Association of Indonesian State University Alumni Associations (Himpuni) in Jakarta, Sunday, March 9.
"We see today the eighth day of the holy month of Ramadan, thank God the price (of staples) is much lower than last year in the same month. It was much lower, what went up slightly was chili, but the rest, thank God, the average is below HET (highest retail price)," he said, quoted from a written statement.
According to him, this price stability does not just happen, but rather results from the synergy of various parties in the Operations of the Cheap Food Market and Inspection, including the Coordinating Ministry for Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of SOEs, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Food Agency, TNI/Polri, BUMN Food, and PT Pos Indonesia.
He also emphasized the importance of compliance between entrepreneurs and traders with HET provisions as instructed by President Prabowo Subianto. Amran also invited alumni of state universities, especially those who are members of the Association, to play an active role in building national food security and supporting other Asta Cita programs.
According to him, the great strength possessed by alumni from various disciplines can be used to realize Indonesia Gold 2045. In addition, he also fully supports the idea of the Red and White Cooperative as a long-term solution in maintaining food price stability.
"In the past, the food distribution chain from producers to consumers passed eight lines. With this cooperative, we were able to cut it to only three lines, namely producers, cooperatives, and consumers. Currently, the value enjoyed by middleman (tengkulang) in the food chain reaches IDR 313 trillion," he explained.
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The Red and White Cooperative, continued Amran, will increase people's purchasing power because the price is affordable and is able to improve the welfare of farmers.
With cheaper food prices and increased farmers' income, all parties will benefit. Cooperatives as a liaison will also benefit, the community is happy, and farmers are smiling. This is a permanent solution that we will encourage for Indonesia in the future," he said.