Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, reviewed the prices and availability of staple goods and bought one kilogram of chilies at the Tramo Market, Maros, South Sulawesi, during his working visit to the province, Wednesday.

"I came to this market to check the supply of food commodities, especially rice, since we have a rice barn in Maros District," Widodo noted in his statement after visiting the Tramo Market in Maros via YouTube footage of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta.

The president noted that rice in the market was priced at Rp10,500 per kg, or had decreased from the earlier pricing. However, with the harvest season in various regions, he is optimistic of the price going down further.

Jokowi also found the prices of shallots and garlic to be stable. However, the supply of affordable cooking oil is still hampered.

"We are still lacking the supply of affordable cooking oil, with a price of Rp14,000 to Rp15,000 per liter. I will call the related parties to increase the supply," he stated.

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Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia is a large country with several regions, so the availability of staple goods' supplies must be maintained.

On this occasion, the president also bought one kilogram of chilies from the market at a price of Rp40 thousand. He admitted to being curious about the spice quotient of South Sulawesi's chilies, whose prices were still far below the cost of chilies in other regions.

"Because I saw chili in Java with the price of Rp90 thousand. I am curious how spicy chilies from South Sulawesi are," he remarked.

He also noted that the supply of basic need items in all regions is currently in a safe condition.

Nonetheless, Jokowi reminded his ranks to check the availability of staple goods' supplies in each area ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

"Moreover, egg supplies must be maintained as well. Ahead of Eid, we must ensure the supplies," he added. (INE) Related news: Sumadi seeks faster completion of Maros-Mandai railway lineRelated news: Sumadi seeks faster completion of Maros-Mandai railway line


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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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