DPR RI Calls Minister Of Trade On Cooking Oil Subsidy

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JAKARTA - The problem of cooking oil is getting more complicated. Various policies issued by the government through the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) have proven to be unable to overcome the scarcity or high prices on the market.

Recently, the government has implemented a bulk cooking oil subsidy scheme with a maximum price of Rp. 14,000 per liter. The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) through Commission VI plans to summon the Minister of Trade (mendag), Muhammad Lutfi, to explain the details of the government's new policy, in a working meeting to be held tomorrow, Thursday, March 17.

"Tomorrow we plan to invite the Minister of Trade to Commission VI to hear how the results of the government's decision yesterday were discussed at the Ratas (Limited Meeting) and Rakortas (Limited Coordination Meeting) regarding the subsidy formula and the resolution of the cooking oil dispute," said Commission VI Chairman, Faisol Riza, to VOI, Wednesday, March 16.

As is known, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has decided to implement a subsidy scheme for bulk cooking oil at a price of Rp. 14,000 per liter. This policy was decided in a limited meeting regarding the increase in cooking oil prices.

Previously reported, Minister of Economy Airlangga Hartarto said the government would provide a subsidy of Rp. 14,000 per liter for bulk palm cooking oil, both sold in supermarkets and traditional markets.

The policy was taken after the government paid attention to the distribution situation and the condition of the distribution of cooking oil. In addition, the provision of subsidies is also carried out after observing the global situation which has resulted in an increase in the price of oil commodities, including vegetable oil.

"The government has decided that the government will subsidize the price of palm oil by Rp. 14,000 per liter," Airlangga said in a press conference broadcast after a limited meeting on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Tuesday, March 15.

Furthermore, Airlangga explained, the subsidy will be given based on funds from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP-KS).

"Then, related to the price of other packaging, of course, it will adjust rather than the economy, so we hope that with this economic value palm oil will be available in modern markets as well as in traditional markets," he explained.

Furthermore, Airlangga ensured that this cooking oil would be available and easily found by the public. Moreover, the Police have guaranteed to help ensure the smooth supply.

"The National Police Chief will ensure the availability and smooth supply," he said.