Inspection In West Jakarta, DPRD Member Kenneth Highlights Soaring Rice And Chili Prices

Member of Commission D of the Jakarta DPRD from the PDI-P faction, Hardiyanto Kenneth (Jehan/VOI)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission D of the Jakarta DPRD from the PDI-P faction, Hardiyanto Kenneth, found rice prices at Tomang Barat Market, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, exceeding the highest retail price (HET) during a surprise inspection (sidak) in the last few days.

During the inspection, Kenneth revealed that several commodities, including rice, were sold in excess price margins.

"There are several findings, such as rice prices that exceed the HET. I will investigate this further later," Kenneth said in his statement, Sunday, March 2.

Kenneth stated that he would coordinate with related parties to follow up on the findings of the prices of basic commodities sold on HET.

"I have asked the President Director of Food Station to solve this problem. Apart from rice, the price of chili was also found to be higher than it should have been," he explained.

He emphasized that the government is trying to maintain price stability so that the lower middle class people are still able to buy basic necessities.

"We want under the leadership of Prasetyo Edi Marsudi and Rano Al Fath, the prices of basic commodities remain stable. Do not let people have trouble buying daily necessities," he added.

Kenneth is also committed to continuing to monitor the prices of basic necessities, especially ahead of the month of Ramadan.

"We will continue to monitor. I have asked the Food Station and Dharma Jaya to routinely monitor prices so that there is no uncontrolled spike," he said.

On the other hand, Kenneth appreciated the cheap market program organized by the Provincial Government of Jakarta as a price stabilization step.

"We will encourage this activity to be carried out regularly. Food Stations will also be asked to be more active in holding programs that really touch the community," he concluded.