Khofifah Ensures Food Stocks In East Java Are Safe Ahead Of Ramadan And Eid Al-Fitr

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa while monitoring the prices of basic necessities in one market. (ANTARA)

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa ensured that food stocks in East Java were safe and sufficient during Ramadan to Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri.

"Alhamdulillah, the stock of basic necessities in East Java is safe and under control. We have coordinated with various parties to ensure food distribution runs smoothly," Khofifah said on the sidelines of the retreat activity, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, February 27.

Khofifah also appealed to the public not to make excessive purchases of basic necessities ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

"For that, I urge the public to remain calm and wise in shopping. There is no need to buy or panic buying," he said.

The East Java Provincial Government together with related agencies continue to monitor prices and the availability of goods in the market.

Khofifah acknowledged that there was an increase in prices for several commodities, such as cayenne pepper, large red chilies, shallots, chicken eggs, and chicken meat.

The price of cayenne pepper in the market is currently recorded at IDR 80,512 per kilogram, up from the reference price of IDR 40,000" IDR 57,000 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the price of large red chilies reaches IDR 48,645 per kilogram, higher than the normal price of IDR 41,886 per kilogram.

Onions have also increased to IDR 30,609 per kilogram, although they are still below the highest retail price (HET).

"But in principle, the stock is safe, so there is no need for panic buying or wholesale action. If there is a wholesale action, it can actually disrupt stability and cause prices for basic necessities to increase, according to the legal principles of the supply and demand market," said Khofifah.

As a price stabilization measure, the East Java Provincial Government has prepared cheap market operations in 38 districts/cities.

The government will also take firm action against the practice of hoarding goods that can harm consumers and disrupt market stability.

"We hope that the community remains calm and buys according to their needs. Thus, everyone can feel comfortable welcoming this blessed month," said Khofifah.