"Today, I want to observe the stock of basic commodities, particularly rice, at Bulog`s warehouses," Widodo noted on the sidelines of his visit during which he was accompanied by Bulog President Director Budi Waseso and several cabinet members.
He said the current rice stock remains sufficient.
"This year`s stock is higher than that of last year," the president, who was accompanied by Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution and Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita during his visit, stated.
Currently, Jakarta`s Bulog warehouses have rice stock totaling 2.1 million tons to be used for maintaining stability in the prices of this basic commodity, he noted, adding that he was informed of the prices of the commodity having decreased to some Rp50 per kilogram (kg).
The prices were lower due to the market operation launched by Bulog to maintain price stability over the past few days, Widodo, who aspires to be reelected in the upcoming presidential election, remarked.
The president is giving serious attention to the stable prices of basic commodities. Hence, he has frequently visited markets for observing the prices of basic commodities and conversing with the local traders.
On Jan 4, President Widodo began the second day of his official visit to East Java Province by visiting the Ngemplak wholesale market in Tulungagung District to check and observe prices of staple foods sold there.
He visited kioks selling rice and chicken, among others. He also bought two kg of rice and five kg of chicken meat. A merchant named Sukri said a kilogram of chicken meat cost Rp31 thousand.
"The price has gone down," he stated.
Reporting by Agus Salim, Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
