The Minister of Home Affairs Urges the Public Not to Panic Buying Ahead of Eid al-Fitr

JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian appealed to the public not to panic buying basic necessities such as fuel and rice, amid the issue of rising commodity prices during the month of Ramadan to Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.

Tito ensured that people's basic needs were safe and sufficient ahead of Eid al-Fitr, especially the national rice stock which reached four million tons, including adequate fuel supplies. The price is also relatively stable.

"So people don't have to panic buying, because it will disrupt the food supply chain. The government has a scheme to solve the problem of prices and the supply of basic necessities," he said after leading a coordination meeting with all regional heads across Indonesia at the Wan Seri Beni Hall, Tanjungpinang City, Riau Islands (Kepri), Monday, March 9, reported by ANTARA.

Tito also asked the public not to worry about Indonesia's economic growth in 2025 which is only 4.7 percent, because this condition is influenced by the adjustment of the methodology in calculating electricity prices.

"Last year, the electricity tariff was subsidized, but now the price is back to normal. Meanwhile, our economic calculations still use subsidized electricity prices," he said.

The former National Police Chief also instructed all Regents/Mayors and the Governor of Kepri to immediately hold an internal meeting to ensure the readiness of food and energy supplies in their respective regions, especially in anticipation of the Eid al-Fitr.

According to him, this anticipatory step aims to maintain the smooth supply chain so that there is no disruption in distribution that harms consumers.

"Regional heads immediately hold meetings and coordinate with distributors and entrepreneurs regarding the readiness of food supplies," said Tito.

Apart from the availability of goods, the Minister of Home Affairs also emphasized the importance of security at tourist locations and effective arrangements for the homecoming flow so that it runs safely and smoothly.

Cross-sectoral coordination is very necessary to prevent incidents of uncontrolled mass crowds to ensure public safety.

"A sense of security and comfort must be provided for the public during the homecoming and at tourist locations," he said.

Furthermore, the Minister of Home Affairs ordered all regional heads to be in their duty areas from March 14 to March 28, 2026 to directly lead the control of the situation on the ground.

The physical presence of regional leaders is crucial in maintaining price stability and security during national religious holidays.