The stock of edible oil is adequate in 34 provinces, but deficit in sugar stock has been seen in 30 provinces and garlic in 31 provincesJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said some Indonesian provinces are facing a shortfall in certain basic necessities, with 30 provinces recording a shortage in sugar stocks and 31 provinces reporting a deficit in garlic stocks.
During a virtual meeting from the Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java on Tuesday, the President said a deficit in rice stocks has been detected in seven provinces, corn deficit in 11 provinces, red chili in 23 provinces, chili pepper in 19 provinces, shallots in one province, and eggs in 22 provinces.
“The stock of edible oil is adequate in 34 provinces, but deficit in sugar stock has been seen in 30 provinces and garlic in 31 provinces," Jokowi revealed.
The President has ordered ministries, agencies, and local governments to map basic necessities needed by provinces.
Pointing out that provinces that record a surplus can supply commodities to other regions faced with a shortage, he said, the government, on its part, would ensure smooth distribution of essential goods despite the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).
"I will continuously monitor this, because after the imposition of PSBB in some provinces, districts, and cities, I heard that (distribution) in 1-2 regions has been disturbed, especially those using air transportation," he stated.
Earlier last week, Jokowi had instructed the Ministry of Trade and related institutions to ensure basic necessities remain available to the people at affordable prices.
"The price of rice has increased slightly. The price of sugar did not show any change or (has) slightly increased to Rp19 thousand per kg, though the prices of onion and garlic are yet to decline. I do not know whether the Trade Ministry has inspected the situation on the field pertaining to whether it (the price) is yet to decline," President Jokowi had remarked at the opening of a virtual meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
Jokowi had also urged his aides to maintain the prices of basic necessities ahead of the Ramadhan fasting month and regularly check market prices. (INE)
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Translator: Indra AP, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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