Lukita made the statement while monitoring several existing markets in Bandung, Pasar Baru, Astana Anyar Market, and Kiaracondong Market, among others, on Friday.
"The price of rice is stable. What was worrisome earlier were the prices of eggs and chicken, but thank God, eggs are now sold at Rp21 thousand per kilogram (kg), which means it is normal. If the price is in the range of Rp22 thousand to 23 thousand per kg, it is normal, and the supply is adequate," Lukita explained.
Chicken meat, whose price earlier touched Rp42 thousand per kg, has now dropped to Rp34 thousand to Rp35 thousand per kg.
This decline is driven by sufficient supply, unlike during the early days of Ramadan. In addition, speedy action by the local government and Food Task Force to reduce the prices of some food commodities can directly suppress the prices.
"Prices are stable and tend to fall. The prices rose yesterday but now are down. We are now in the middle (of fasting), and we will continue to monitor food commodities and service duties, while the staff will conduct daily monitoring in the market," he remarked.
Nonetheless, the trade minister will continue to make efforts to keep the prices of some basic commodities stable or even down.
Especially for chicken meat, Lukita has urged PT. Etanee, as the supplier of frozen chicken meat, to distribute the commodity in the markets to provide an alternative to the community.
"Frozen chicken meat is actually more hygienic. However, some people still want fresh ones, but let it be a choice. Frozen chicken meat is sold at Rp33 thousand. People want to have an alternative," he stated.
Similarly, the price of beef is still stable at Rp120 thousand per kg. Slaughterhouses in the fasting month slaughtered up to 330 heads per day to be distributed across markets in the city of Bandung.
"In normal condition, some 80 heads are slaughtered before Ramadan, while yesterday, the number reached 330 heads. On the supply side, it is sufficient, so the price is stable. Thus, people have a choice of frozen meat," he added.
Reporter: Asep Firmansyah
Editor: Bustanuddin
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