The head of state, accompanied by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, Head of Boyolali District M. Said Hidayat, and Deputy Head of Boyolali District Wahyu Irawan, visited the market and conversed with several merchants on Monday.
“It turns out that (the prices of) everything had declined. For instance, bird’s eye chili is sold for only Rp20 thousand (around US$1.33) per kilogram (kg), as previously it was sold for Rp80 thousand (US$5.33) to Rp90 thousand (US$5.99) per kg,” he remarked.
Jokowi also found that the price of chicken eggs had fallen to Rp25 thousand (US$1.66), from Rp30 thousand (US$2) per kg.
Furthermore, garlic was priced at Rp24 thousand (US$1.6) to Rp25 thousand per kg, while chicken was sold at Rp32 thousand (US$2.13) per kg, he noted.
Jokowi affirmed that the decline occurred due to the increasing supply, as stated by the economic theory.
“According to economic theory, if the price goes down, it means that there is a lot of stock and supply," he noted.
Generally, the food stocks are still adequate, he remarked.
"God willing, the prices will continue to fall. (The price of) rice had also slightly decreased by about Rp500 (US$0.03) per kg," he stated.
In addition to reviewing the commodity prices, the president disbursed basic commodity packages, cash assistance, and t-shirts at the Cepogo Market to the traders and local residents.
Prior to visiting the market, Jokowi and his entourage went to Selo Market, which is located at the slopes of Mount Merapi, precisely at Selo Sub-district, Boyolali District, Central Java Province, to also review the food prices.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Hasan expressed gratitude that the prices had fallen ahead of Eid al-Fitr. He also noted that food supplies were safe until the holy day.
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Translator: Bambang Marwoto, Uyu Liman
Editor: Anton Santoso
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