Rice Prices Rise, Trade Minister Zulhas: Even Though IDR 100 Is Dangerous, Inflation Could Be 3.3 Percent

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) when releasing shoe exports to the Netherlands, Tuesday, September 13. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, did not deny that there was an increase in the price of rice commodities.

This is the government's attention. The reason is, that even if rice increases by only IDR 100, the impact will be very dangerous on inflation.

"Although an increase of IDR 100 silver is dangerous because it will have an impact on inflation of more than 3.3 percent. It must be lowered immediately", he said when met in North Serpong, South Tangerang City, Tuesday, September 13.

Therefore, continued Zulkifli, he has coordinated with Perum Bulog to conduct market operations. This is to mitigate the increase in rice prices even higher.

Zulhas, as Zulkifli Hasan is familiarly called, also asked for coconuts at the provincial to district/city levels to go down to the markets to check commodity prices on the market.

So that when it is found that there is an increase in the price of a commodity, it can be mitigated immediately.

"You also have to be sensitive to checks, if the price goes up by 5 percent, you have to take steps immediately. For example, sending eggs from Blitar to Jakarta costs IDR 32,000, the fee is paid because the government has a 2 percent reserve fund for the cost. It will definitely decrease by IDR 28,000", he said.

Zulhas said this was also a directive from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to governors, mayors, and regents in all regions in Indonesia.

"Because basic needs are related to the lives of many people. We have to be sensitive. We have to protect our people from difficulties in the availability of necessities and prices", he explained.