Ahead Of Nataru, Trade Minister Zulhas Make Sure The Stock Of Basic Materials Is Safe And Prices Stable

Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan reiterated that the government continues to try to maintain stock, especially for the preparation of Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023 (Nataru).

He also ensured that the stock of basic commodities (bapok) was safe and the price was stable.

This was conveyed by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan while reviewing modern retailers Hypermart and Superindo with the Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi in West Jakarta, Jakarta.

"Overall, the stock is available and the price is stable. Therefore, once again the stock is available, the price is stable. Everything we do so that the stock of bapok is safe," he said in an official statement, written Friday, December 9.

Zulhas, as Zulkifli Hasan is familiarly called, said that the price of rice in modern retail is still stable, and there is even rice at a price below the highest retail price (HET). While the price of Bulog rice remains, there is no change.

"In fact, here there was rice at a price below the HET produced by DKI Jakarta Regional Owned Enterprises," he explained.

Inflation in November 2022 was recorded at 5.42 percent, down from the previous month which was recorded at 5.71 percent. This means, continued Zulhas, there are prices for necessities that have decreased in the market, including chickens.

However, said Zulhas, there were several commodities that experienced an increase, such as eggs.

He said the increase in egg prices was due to increased demand ahead of Christmas and the new year.

"The price of eggs has increased slightly because demand has increased. Later, if the demand is normal again, the price will fall again. This increase is still reasonable at IDR 30,700 per kg, but modern retail is still IDR 27,000 per kg," he explained.

The Ministry of Trade, said Zulhas, continues to coordinate with stakeholders to maintain price stability and supply of bapok.

"The government always discusses with stakeholders, including business actors' associations to find a way out together," he added.

Meanwhile, Head of Badanas Arief Prasetyo Adi revealed that the supply and price of bapok was under control.

Arief said modern retail reviews were carried out to ensure that all bapok stocks were available.

"Today we are reviewing modern retail to ensure that stock exists. Stocks today until Christmas and the new year exist. The Central Government also continues to coordinate with local governments to organize market operations. People or consumers are welcome to attend to get affordable bapok prices," said Arief.