"The minister for maritime affairs and investment was urged by the president to help ensure the availability and distribution of cooking oil according to the target, (especially) in the Java-Bali area," the ministry's spokesperson, Jodi Mahardi, told ANTARA here on Tuesday.
Mahardi explained that in fulfilling this task, Pandjaitan and the team will coordinate with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, as the lead coordinator, involving technical ministries and institutions comprising the Trade Ministry, Industry Ministry, Finance Ministry, Food Task Force, Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP), and the Attorney General's Office for supervision.
"The government will closely monitor this after the export ban (was lifted) and continue conducting parallel meetings related to this matter," Mahardi stated.
Related news: President visits Cibinong Market to monitor cooking oil prices
He said the government will also use digital applications to oversee the supply of cooking oil distribution.
"The target is bulk cooking oil, with prices set by the government, distributed evenly as much as possible," he noted.
Earlier, the government had decided to lift the ban on the exports of cooking oil and its raw materials as the supply and price of bulk cooking oil had stabilized.
"Based on the data of supply and the trend of plummeting prices in various regions and also to maintain the price of fresh fruit bunches for small farmers, the president has decided to lift the export ban on May 23," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated earlier.
The export of cooking oil and its raw materials was temporarily banned since April 28, 2022, while the government has made efforts to meet the needs of cooking oil at affordable prices within the community.
Related news: Cooking oil exports to resume from May 23: Jokowi
Related news: Gov't begins to distribute bulk cooking oil at Rp14,000 per liter
Translator: Ade J, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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