"Currently, 80 thousand (tons) have already entered. Next week, it is projected to enter the market, so a decline (in prices is expected)," Enggartiasto remarked after attending a limited meeting here on Friday.
Furthermore, Enggartiasto clarified that the prices of chili and shallots will normalize in the run-up to Ramadhan, while the supply of rice was adequate, thereby not affecting its prices.
"Staple items, including rice, are available. There is also a tendency of a deflation. There has been a decline, so we are facing no problem. God willing, we will not experience any problems with regard to basic ingredients," he explained.
At the limited meeting, President Joko Widodo had laid emphasis on several aspects, including endeavors directed at stabilizing prices and the availability of basic items, the transportation sector and supporting infrastructure, as well as maintaining security during Ramadhan and while going home.
Earlier, commodity prices had risen at the Kramat Jati Central Market. Prices of shallots and curly red chili prior to Ramadhan 2019 surged 20 percent following a decline in supply from farmers following the retreat of the harvest period.
The price of ordinary-quality shallots and red chili increased to Rp20 thousand per kilogram, from Rp15 thousand per kilogram earlier.
The price of green cayenne pepper shot up from Rp10 thousand per kilogram to Rp15 thousand per kilogram.
Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
