Visiting The Market, Trade Minister Zulhas Shock, Many Buyers And Traders Complained That Food Prices Rise

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan during an inspection at Cibubur Market, East Jakarta. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan said he was surprised after hearing complaints from buyers and traders regarding the current increase in prices for basic commodities and basic necessities.

He received the complaint during a working visit to Cibubur Market, East Jakarta.

"I'm in shock because the complaining buyers who trade are also complaining," he said at Cibubur Market, Jakarta, Thursday, June 16.

The man who is familiarly called Zulhas said that the increase in the price of basic commodities and basic necessities has increased the burden on people's lives.

"It feels like the burden of living has increased. We saw it firsthand. The price of bapok, all of which went up except for rice. Chili rose almost 20-30 percent. From Rp. 80,000 for red cayenne, it rose to Rp. 100-Rp. 110,000. Red chili was also Rp. 80 to Rp. 90. 000's," he said.

Not only that, Zulhas also increased the price of other basic commodities, including shallots by nearly 20 percent, eggs at a price of IDR 29,000 per kg. Then chicken meat from IDR 21,000 to IDR 26,000 kg.

"Beef has also increased but the number of buyers has decreased drastically, maybe due to the PMK issue. So people are reducing their spending. Seasonings are also increasing. It is clear that the goods are imported. Tempe is up from Rp. 7,000 to Rp. million. There is a subsidy from Bulog of Rp. 1,000 per kg, but it is small, if you make tempe, you will lose, "he said.

Therefore, Zulhas admitted that he would work quickly to resolve the problems that occurred.

However, Zulhas admitted, he could not work alone because it was not only the domain of the Ministry of Trade.

"We have to work fast. It's not only the Ministry of Trade's domain. Later, together with the Coordinating Minister, we will coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture," he explained.