Reviewing The Merdeka Market In East Kalimantan, Jokowi Calls Chili And Bawang Prices Down

President Joko Widodo reviewed the supply and prices of basic necessities at Merdeka Market, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Thursday (21/9/2023). BETWEEN THE ANTARA/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said the price of a number of basic needs at Merdeka Market, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, was still under good control. "I see, I am happy that prices are under control well," Jokowi said after visiting the Merdeka Market in East Kalimantan, quoted from Antara, Thursday, September 21. President Jokowi explained that a number of basic commodities there experienced a decline in prices, including chilies and onions. " “ Even chili prices also go down, then garlic prices also go down, shallot prices also go down," he said. However, the price of rice in the market is still relatively high and has not decreased. However, the President said that currently, Bulog's SPHP (Stability for Supply and Food Prices) rice has begun to be channeled to the market. “ We hope that with market operations carried out by Bulog, prices can also go down. Rice yes, ” he hoped. The Head of State also said that the price increase was caused by the super El Nino phenomenon that occurred in seven provinces and resulted in reduced rice supply from farmers. To overcome this, the President said that currently the government is increasing rice reserves through imports. " “ Yes, we are increasing strategic reserves through imports because to cover the existing production shortages," he said. One of the rice traders named Niko said that currently premium rice had indeed increased. However, he assessed that the SPHP rice assistance from Bulog was sufficient to help reduce prices. "For premium rice, there is an increase, but now we are assisted by the Bulog of SPHP rice, so prices are starting to dampen, starting to fall now," explained Niko. Niko also hopes that in the future the price of rice can go down and return to normal. Based on the photos received in Jakarta, in addition to reviewing basic needs, the President also appears to be greeting and having a dialogue with traders and providing cash assistance.

Also accompanying the President during his visit to Merdeka Market were Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, Governor of East Kalimantan Isran Noor, and Mayor of Samarinda Andi Harun.