We visit the points where there has been a significant increaseBandung (ANTARA) - The West Java Provincial Government has prepared a budget of Rp10 billion for market operations for the Holy Month of Ramadan 2023, according to West Java Governor M. Ridwan Kamil.
"(Budget prepared for) the market operation is around Rp10 billion. We visit the points where there has been a significant increase," Kamil remarked after conducting an inspection of the prices of basic necessities at the Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, on Tuesday.
During the visit, Kamil was accompanied by Head of the West Java Industry and Trade Service Noneng Komara, and Head of the West Java Food Security and Livestock Service (DKPP) Moh Arifin Soedjayana.
The governor held dialog with buyers and several market traders and visited various stalls of beef, staple foods, vegetables, and rice in addition to inquiring from traders about the rising and falling prices and supply conditions.
Kamil remarked that based on the results of an inspection conducted at the Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, the prices of several basic necessities, such as rice, chilies, and vegetables, had increased.
"Following the direction of the minister of home affairs, we went to the field, we monitored it, and the conclusion was that 70 percent went up. (The prices of) rice went up, chili went up, and vegetables went up," he stated.
Nevertheless, Kamil noted that the prices of several basic necessities, such as chicken meat, had decreased at the Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City.
"However, there are also those whose prices go down, such as chicken meat, and we will monitor it. As of today, the increase is relatively reasonable," he stated.
He said the West Java Provincial Government had prepared three measurable steps or strategies to stabilize prices of basic necessities during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
"The price is relatively safe. When the light is yellow, our actions are measured. In our market, we will conduct market operations. We usually do it with onions. The price of onions will also increase," he stated.
The second measurable strategy is the Cheap Food Program that is implemented not in the market but in squares or offices.
"Hence, it comes directly from farmers and not middlemen, so the prices are affordable. Thirdly, it is suspected that commodities will increase due to transportation. The provincial government budget has already been prepared for transportation subsidies," he remarked.
Hence, his side is optimistic that until Eid, the public will not harbor concerns, as the price increase is a market law during Ramadan.
"However, we make sure the supply is safe first, and even if it goes up, it is still normal. Hence, there is no need to worry," he remarked.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Sri Haryati
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