There Is A National Market Operation, Minister Of Agriculture Ensures Rice Prices Drop In Two Weeks

Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted monitoring of cheap market operations in Majene, West Sulawesi, Sunday, July 20. (Ministry of Agriculture Public Relations)

JAKARTA Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed that in the next 1-2 weeks the price of rice will decrease. He conveyed this certainty after monitoring cheap food operations in Majene, West Sulawesi, Sunday, July 20.

"In the morning we did market operations. We started two days ago for all of Indonesia. All SOEs moved together to carry out massive market operations. We have prepared 1.3 million tons of rice. We are sure that in the next 1-2 weeks the price of rice has dropped," Amran said in his statement.

The government, he continued, continues to make various efforts to stabilize rice prices. Referring to data from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) today, the price of medium rice at the consumer level is Rp. 14,340 per kilogram (kg) or a decrease of Rp. 39 (-0.27 percent).

Meanwhile, premium rice experienced an increase of Rp9 per kg (0.06 percent) to Rp16,105 per kg. Then, rice in the Basic Stabilization and Food Price (SPHP) program was sold for Rp12,535 per kg or an increase of Rp26 (0.21 percent).

Amran also revealed that the alleged case of mixing rice did not match the quality and price. This case has been dealt with and has an impact on decreasing rice prices by companies and producers.

"Even the producer company has directly written that the price of one packaging for premium rice has decreased by Rp1,000. We ask all rice entrepreneurs throughout Indonesia not to pass the HET (highest retail price) and the quality if the premium must be premium, the quality medium must be medium. We are starting a new one," he said.

He will continue to coordinate with law enforcement and at the same time warn rice producers to run businesses that do not harm the community.

"Last night we communicated with the National Police Chief. From the 212 rice brands we processed, we have examined 25. The next possibility is that 40-50 brands will be examined by marathons. So we hope that once again my brothers and rice entrepreneurs, let's maintain conducive conditions. You can make a profit but this cannot be played with," said Amran.

Amran also highlighted other countries such as Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines which experienced a rice crisis. Moreover, in Japan, there the price of rice is sold for Rp. 100,000 per kg.

"We have to protect our country's food when other countries' food is difficult. In Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, rice difficulties occur. The price of rice in Japan is Rp. 100,000 per kilogram. We are grateful that our rice price is around Rp. 13,000-Rp. 15,000 per kilo. We do not want rice difficulties to occur in Indonesia," he concluded.