"I have visited (markets in) many provinces. The prices were stable and yesterday, in Boyolali, the prices of shallots, garlic, and eggs, dropped," he observed at Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten, on Tuesday.
During his working visit to Banten, he reviewed the readiness of Eid al-Fitr exodus infrastructure and facilities at the port.
He also reviewed the prices of staple commodities at Kelapa Market in Cilegon.
Before landing in Banten, Jokowi made a working visit to Central Java on Monday (April 10, 2023) and reviewed food prices at Cepogo Market.
He noted that the food prices there had declined ahead of this year's Eid.
"I was with the Minister of Trade and the Central Java Governor to check the prices ahead of Eid. It turned out that most of them have dropped," he said, according to information posted on the official website of the Cabinet Secretariat.
According to President Jokowi, the prices of cayennes, eggs, garlic, and chicken meat have dropped because of the large supply and production in the region.
He also visited Legi Market, Surakarta City, Central Java, and took note of a similar drop in the prices of essential commodities there.
“(The prices of) Eggs have now decreased to Rp25 thousand from above Rp30 thousand, shallots have also gone down to Rp25 thousand–26 thousand, and garlic (are priced) at Rp24 thousand," he said.
He further said he expects rice to become cheaper in view of the harvest season.
"The prices of rice also decreased by Rp300–400. With the abundant harvests, we hope its prices can go down again so that the chances of inflation can be reduced," he added.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, he said that the higher prices of food at Kelapa Market could be attributed to issues related to distribution.
However, Jokowi assured that essential food supplies ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijri are still safe.
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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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