JAKARTA - Minister of the 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.
Airlangga explained that the subsidy will be given based on funds from 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.
The limited meeting was chaired directly by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Not only Airlangga, other ministers such as Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, and National Police Chief General of Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo were also present.
Previously, President Jokowi had directly checked the presence of cooking oil in traditional markets and minimarkets. This was done on Sunday, March 13 in Yogyakarta.
At that time, Jokowi had visited a mini market in the Pasar Kembang area. There, Jokowi went straight to the cooking oil place but he saw that none was available.
From the minimarket waiter, Jokowi finally knew that cooking oil stocks were still scarce in the community.
In addition to visiting supermarkets, the President also directly checked the availability of cooking oil at traders in Beringharjo Market and Sentul Market, Yogyakarta. In both markets, the President found prices that varied, ranging from Rp. 14,000 per liter to Rp. 20,000 per liter.
However, the high price of cooking oil also does not guarantee the availability of stock. "The goods are there, but they are expensive," said the president, commenting on the high price of cooking oil.
"There is but it's slow, sir, when it's finished it will take a long time," said the merchant.
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