Rice Prices Rising, Government Asked To Do Market Operations In DKI Jakarta

Illustration of the stock of rice at the Cipinang Food Station warehouse/ Photo: BEP

JAKARTA - Rice traders who are members of the Cipinang Rice Main Market (PIBC) cooperative, East Jakarta, have asked the government to immediately carry out market operations to anticipate the surge in the price of the strategic commodity due to the increase in fuel oil (BBM).

"I hope that with the increase in rice prices, we can carry out market operations", said Chairman of the PIBC Cooperative, Zulkifli Rasyid, quoting Antara, Tuesday, September 6.

He added that the price of rice sold at PIBC is currently increasing, especially for medium rice which reached IDR 9,200 per kilogram from the previous IDR 8,500 per kilogram.

He said the increase in rice prices was due to reduced supply to PIBC while market demand was still quite stable.

"With this supply shortage, that's where the price increases are located", said Zulkifli.

Zulkifli also estimates that the increase in fuel prices will also affect the increase in rice prices due to the increase in the cost of shipments from suppliers.

"It is certain (to rising) because rice is brought from the regions to the Cipinang Main Market, it requires fuel, it needs diesel", said Zulkifli.

He also hopes that with the immediate implementation of market operations by the government, it can re-stabilize the price of rice which is a basic need for the community.

"The market operation, if possible, specifically for DKI Jakarta, should not be 'funded'. If possible, it is rice now, the domestic rice is issued. Why? To suppress the increase in rice prices in the market", said Zulkifli.