Jokowi Reminds M. Lutfi: Although Celebrating Ramadan In A Simple Way, Food Stock Must Remain Safe

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. (Photo: Doc. Setkab)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded the ranks of the Ministry of Trade to maintain national food stocks. This is because the month of Ramadan is approaching so that stocks must be made sure that they are available to the public.

Not only that, but President Jokowi also asked the Ministry of Trade to stabilize prices. The aim is to prevent the increase in food prices ahead of the month of Ramadan. He wants both the central and regional governments to enjoy the same price.

"To continue to improve price equality in suburban areas, it must be anticipated. I need to remind you that Ramadan is only 40 days away. A month later, Eid Al-Fitr. Prepare now, anticipate now", he said while inaugurating the opening of the national work meeting of the Ministry of Trade at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, February 4.

The former governor of DKI Jakarta said that Indonesia is likely to welcome Ramadan this year in a simple way. Even so, Jokowi wants no problems with stock items and prices, even though the Ramadan and Eid celebrations will run simply due to the pandemic.

"Even though later we will welcome it with a simple but once again stable stock availability and prices must be guaranteed", he said.

On different occasions, Coordinating Minister (Menko) for the Economy Airlangga Hartato will ensure the stock of food availability during Ramadan and Eid is maintained. This is done so that prices do not increase.

"Then the government also sees that food commodities are important, so one of the important things is the provision of rice with a stock of 1-1.5 million tons, the procurement of meat, and the provision of sugar, both for consumption and industry, where facing Eid will be a note. availability and prices are truly available to the public", said Airlangga.

Airlangga said the government had also made various tax stimuli and incentives to encourage higher consumption power. This is because he is optimistic that Indonesia's economic growth this year will reach the target of around 4.5 to 5.3 percent through several sectors that have experienced recovery.