Wamendag Jerry Sambuaga Brings Jabar Joy: Prices Of Basic Materials In 216 Markets Are Stable During Ramadan

Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Trade)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga ensured that the prices of basic commodities were stable in this month of Ramadan, as well as the stock of basic commodities. This is based on the results of monitoring in people's markets through the Market Monitoring System and Basic Needs (SP2KP) in 216 markets spread across 90 regencies/cities throughout Indonesia.

"Price developments up to D-20 Idul Fitri 2022, a number of Bapok needs are generally observed to be relatively stable," he said in an official statement, quoted Wednesday, April 13.

The price of rice was monitored stable at around Rp. 10,500 per kg for medium and Rp. 12,400 per kg for premium. Rice is projected to have stock resilience of up to 10.5 months.

Then, the price of sugar is around Rp. 14,600 per kg, up 3.55 percent compared to last month and up 12.31 percent compared to last year's Eid period. The government has relaxed the reference price for granulated sugar at the retail level to Rp13,500 per kg.

Meanwhile in Eastern Indonesia, such as Maluku and Papua, the reference price relaxation was given at Rp. 14,000 per kg for bulk granulated sugar and Rp. 14,500 per kg for packaged granulated sugar.

Regarding soybeans, the government has intervened by assigning Bulog to run a program to compensate for the difference in the purchase price of soybeans of IDR 1,000 per kg at the level of tofu and tempeh craftsmen, sourced from the Food Price Stabilization Reserve (CSHP) budget.

"Currently, tofu and tempeh craftsmen have begun to enjoy buying prices that are lower than the market economic price in order to maintain business continuity and selling prices at the consumer level," he said.

Jerry said that in line with the trend of increasing demand for beef, broiler meat, and broiler eggs, the prices of these three commodities also recorded an increase. The government continues to ensure the availability of beef, both through local cattle and accelerated imports of frozen meat.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) noted that there were around 58,481 live cattle ready for slaughter spread across Sumatra, Banten and West Java. Meanwhile, Bulog's realization of frozen meat imports has touched 20 thousand tons.

"In an effort to control the price of eggs and chicken meat, the Ministry of Trade has assigned Perum Bulog to provide 50 thousand tons of corn for animal feed to help meet the needs of micro and small scale farmers," he said.

Although horticultural commodities such as chilies and onions contributed to inflation in March 2022, it is predicted that there will be deflation in the period of Ramadan and Eid. As of April 8, 2022, curly red chilies fell 2.50 percent, red chili peppers fell 12.15 percent, red onions fell 7.05 percent.

"The downward trend is predicted to continue throughout April to May considering that various production centers are currently harvesting," he said.