Reviewing Basic Materials In Batam City Ahead Of Christmas And New Year, The Minister Of Trade ADMITs There Is An Ascension In Prices But Is Still Stable

Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan (blue jacket). (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan reviewed the availability of basic commodities at Tos 3,000 Market, Batam City, Riau Islands, Saturday, December 17. He ensured that prices and availability of basic necessities were stable towards the end of the year, celebrations of Christmas 2022 and New Year 2023.

Based on the results of the review, the Minister of Trade stated that the availability of various basic commodities in the market is quite complete.

"So ahead of Christmas and this New Year, the availability of basic commodities is sufficient. So people don't have to worry and prices are also stable," said the Trade Minister.

He admitted that some materials had increased. But he admits it's not too high.

"I just found out here that there are two types, the chicken that has been ice is Rp. 30 thousand per kilo. If it has just been cut it is Rp. 40 thousand per kilo here, but it is stable. Because now the price of chicken per kilo is around Rp. 35 thousand," said the Trade Minister, as quoted from Antara, Saturday, December 17.

Likewise, the price of bulk cooking oil, from what should be Rp. 14,000 per liter, at Tos Market 3,000 is only sold for Rp. 13 thousand per liter.

"This means that the price here is still stable, the oil is okay," said the Trade Minister.

For rice, he said, the premium varies in price. However, he emphasized that the price of rice from the Logistics Affairs Agency (Bulog) is more affordable.

"If it's rice from Bulog, we guarantee the price. The price is IDR 9,450 per kilogram and it's not more," said the Trade Minister.

Meanwhile, food commodities that have increased, he said, such as red chilies, which are usually IDR 40 thousand to IDR 45 thousand per kilogram, have now increased to IDR 50 thousand to IDR 60 thousand per kilogram.

Likewise, like vegetables such as mustard, currently being sold at a price of Rp. 20,000 per one kilogram, where previously it was only Rp. 10,000 to Rp. 15 thousand per kilogram.

"Tempe did not increase, but the size was slightly reduced. Soybeans are indeed expensive, currently the price is Rp. 14-15 thousand and it is still stable, hopefully later when the supply from Bulog arrives, it will only be sold for Rp. 11 thousand," said the Trade Minister.