"We inspected the (market) locations for checking the distribution, availability, and prices of food," a member of the task force, Senior Commissioner Eka Mulyana, said after inspecting Sederhana Market here on Saturday.
He informed that his side will analyze the cause for rising prices of staple commodities, if any such staples are found.
"We will figure out what is causing the price increase, whether it is due to the shortage of goods, or the distribution is not smooth; this must be anticipated," he added.
He said the Polri Food Task Force can request other regions to export their surplus commodities to Bandung city to meet the shortage of staples ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
He informed that the step would help maintain the stability of prices ahead of the holidays.
For instance, he said, his side will coordinate with Brebes, Central Java, for shallots, and with Blitar, East Java, for eggs.
"We will coordinate with Lampung for meat," he added.
After inspecting Sederhana Market, he said he found the prices of some commodities to be relatively stable. Some commodities' prices were also found to have become cheaper, he added.
Meanwhile, director of special criminal investigation of West Java Police, Senior Commissioner Deni Okvianto, said that his team and Polri's Food Task Force will inspect Kiaracondong Market and Kosambi Market.
According to him, regular inspections will be carried out in markets to anticipate inflation of staple goods prices ahead of Eid.
“We will coordinate with the local government, in this case, the Bandung City Food Security Office," he said.
Meanwhile, the head of Bandung City Food Security Office, Gin Gin Ginanjar, revealed that some traders at Sederhana Market were found selling government-aided cooking oil brand Minyakita at above the price cap of Rp14 thousand.
The National Police Food Task Force said that it will investigate the report.
Related news: West Java to hold cheap market operation for Ramadan, Eid
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Translator: Bagus R, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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