We must ensure that the flow of logistics is smooth and basic necessities are available in markets. I hope that the Home Affairs Minister will reprimand regional administrations blocking roads so the flow of logistics is not disrupted. 
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo on Thursday urged Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian to admonish heads of those regions that have closed roads in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, thereby slowing the distribution of goods and food.

"We must ensure the flow of logistics is smooth and basic necessities are available in markets. I hope that the Home Affairs Minister will reprimand regional administrations blocking roads so the flow of logistics is not disrupted," the President said at a limited meeting on Thursday, held via teleconferencing from the Bogor Presidential Palace.

The meeting was held to discuss preparations for the fasting month of Ramadhan and the subsequent Eid al-Fitr (1441 H/2020) festivities.

The President said he had received reports from several regional heads that the supply of staple foods such as rice has been disrupted due to road blockades. He pointed out that public demand for goods will soon increase during Ramadhan and Eid al Fitr.

"We must really check the supply of basic necessities on the field," he continued.

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The President averred Ramadhan this year would be different from previous years. This year, the public is facing the challenge of containing further transmission of COVID-19, he added.

The head of state asked ministers, chiefs of non-ministerial government institutions, and regional heads to ensure adequate supply of food. He said he believed the price of food stuffs, which has witnessed fluctuations, will soon return to normal.

He predicted the price of sugar will fall to Rp12,500 per kilogram and the price of garlic will decline to Rp20-30 thousand per kilogram.

"I also have checked (the stocks) with Bulog (the National Logistics Agency) and regions regarding the grand harvest. I see the prices of meat, egg, sugar, and wheat flour are still stable. The Agriculture Minister has stated that the price of sugar will decline to the normal level of Rp12,500 per kilogram in the next few weeks," he said.

"The Trade Minister has also reported that some (of the garlic imports) have arrived. So, we hope the price of garlic will return to the normal level of Rp20-30 thousand per kilogram in the next few weeks or this week," he said.

Related news: President instructs ministry to ensure adequate food supply

Translator: Indra Pribadi, Suharto
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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