Jokowi Reminds Trade Minister Agus About The Price Of Groceries That Starts Crawling Up

President Joko Widodo (screenshot YouTube @SekretariatPresiden)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo has requested that the price of basic necessities be stable amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Jokowi reminded the Minister of Trade, Agus Suparmanto, that there should not be an increase in the price of basic necessities that burdens the needs of the community.

"Don't let an increase occur. This is what is still rising in rice, starting to rise slightly. Sugar prices have not moved at all, instead they have increased to Rp. 19 thousand, garlic, onions have not decreased either," said Jokowi when opening a limited meeting on anticipating the need for staple goods. broadcast on the official YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Tuesday, April 21.

"I don't know if this is from the Ministry of Trade, has seen the field, that this hasn't moved yet," he added.

In addition to mentioning the price of rice, sugar, garlic and onions, Jokowi also mentioned the price of beef, bird's eye chilies, red chilies, shallots and garlic which rose in the second week of April.

Furthermore, Jokowi also mentioned the price of dry unhulled rice which fell by five percent but the price of rice rose by 0.4 percent. "What's the matter? Please take a proper look at the field. The field is properly checked. There must be a problem," he said.

This is because, according to the former governor of DKI Jakarta, when the price of dry unhulled rice drops, it should be followed by the price of rice. If the opposite happens, what happens is that the farmers will suffer losses.

"Farmers cannot make a profit, the price of rice rises, the people are disadvantaged. Who is this for," he said.

Jokowi then reminded that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be used as a momentum to improve the food system in this country.

He ordered, ministers or related officials must be able to ensure if the need for pok ingredients such as rice is confirmed and calculated. In addition, the supply chain must also be adjusted to the dynamics of the movement of community needs and farmers will receive good protection in the midst of this outbreak.

"Avoid unhealthy practices by applying the principles of good governance. Then I also ask the food task force to coordinate with the police to oversee the supply chain and food stocks," he concluded.