Immediately Overcome Increasing Rice Prices

Rice (Antara)

The increase in rice prices is a serious concern for the Indonesian people. Data shows that rice imports have increased significantly, reaching 3 million tons in 2023, which is the highest amount in the last five years. In fact, by early 2024, Indonesia will have imported 443 thousand tons of rice, with the majority of rice coming from Thailand. This condition raises concerns considering that Indonesia should be able to meet its rice needs from domestic production.

The causes of the increase in rice prices can be seen from various factors. The article in VOI states that the slow harvest is one of the causes of skyrocketing rice prices. Delays in harvest can be caused by various factors, ranging from unfavorable weather to technical problems in the agricultural process. However, this cannot be the main reason considering that Indonesia has great potential in rice farming.

According to the latest BPS survey, national rice production in early 2024 will reach 3.90 million tonnes. This figure shows that Indonesia has sufficient capacity to meet domestic needs. However, efforts to increase domestic production must be supported by appropriate policies.

Apart from that, there are allegations of mafia involvement in rice price movements. There are even statements from several parties, including the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), which mention the potential involvement of the mafia in rice price movements. Practices that are detrimental to society must be immediately addressed through strict supervision in the rice supply chain.

The continuous increase in rice prices must be a serious concern for the government. Rice import policies that are too dependent on foreign supplies must be reviewed. Increasing domestic rice production must be a top priority, as stated by the Head of the National Food Agency.

Rice is a basic need for Indonesian people. The impact of rising rice prices not only impacts economic aspects, but also social aspects. An increase in rice prices could potentially trigger an increase in inflation, which in the end would put more burden on society, especially those with low incomes. Potential to add new poor people.

For this reason, concrete steps are needed from the government to overcome the problem of rising rice prices. Efforts to increase domestic production must be supported by policies that support local farmers. In addition, strict supervision of detrimental practices in rice distribution needs to be improved.

Facing this problem, the politicization of rice is irrelevant. What is needed now is the government's focus on resolving the problem of rising rice prices in the shortest possible time. The policies taken must be based on strong analysis and scientific arguments, not solely political considerations. Everything must be based on the interests of the community at large.