"We provide people with choices of hot meat or fresh meat at traditional markets at a higher price or Brazilian beef meat and buffalo meat that is the cheapest at Rp80 thousand per kilogram," head of NFA Arief Prasetyo Adi stated during his visit to review the sale of frozen meat at the modern retail store, Alfamidi, in Jakarta, Friday.
He ensured that the public could purchase affordable and cheap meat to fulfill their needs for Eid. Currently, 88 Alfamidi branches spread across Greater Jakarta have a supply of frozen buffalo meat priced at Rp80 thousand per kilogram, with purchases capped at two kilograms per person during Ramadan and Eid.
Buffalo meat will not only be distributed in modern retail stores but also traditional markets, with supervision conducted by the food task force to monitor no sales occur outside the stipulated price. The food task force will take strict action against traders that violate the regulation, he stated.
Adi emphasized that the government continues to maintain the stability in food supply and prices by calculating the supply and demand until next year.
"If now we can have a good price for meat, it is because of the hard work of all relevant elements. We also conduct monitoring and do a checklist regarding planning for national food needs," he remarked.
On the same occasion, Bulog President Director Budi Waseso stated that the distribution of buffalo meat to modern retailers and traditional markets was conducted directly by Bulog to reduce the selling price when products reach consumers.
"We are getting closer to consumers and giving them access to meat priced at Rp 80 thousand per kilogram because provision of the meat is direct, from Bulog to retail. Bulog bought if it was available at an affordable price, and it must be affordable for the consumers too," he emphasized.
Based on data on food price developments from the National Strategic Food Price Information Center, beef prices have increased nationwide since last week. The price of beef meat reached Rp131,300 per kilogram on April 7 and then increased to Rp134,900 per kilogram on April 10, followed by Rp135,250 per kilogram on April 13, and fell slightly to Rp133,950 per kilogram on April 14.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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