According to his secretariat in Jakarta, the president stated that the market is offering various staple goods at reasonable prices.
"The prices are good. For instance, shallots are sold for Rp25 thousand (US$1.6) per kilogram, while chilies are offered at only Rp35 thousand (US$2.2) per kg, a significant decline as compared to the earlier price of around Rp100 thousand (US$6.3)," he remarked after the inspection.
Jokowi then revealed that the prices of rice had increased slightly, adding that he had instructed state-run logistics company Bulog to respond to the increase by distributing rice stocks allocated for the Stabilization of Food Supplies and Prices (SPHP) Program to the market.
He further underlined that the market is still storing an adequate stock of rice.
"The stock is secure. We only need to intervene with the prices," he stated.
Related news: Staple prices in most provinces stable: President Jokowi
The president also made the most of his visit to the market to personally hand out business capital assistance to several merchants.
Lasiyem, a merchant selling chickens, expressed her gratitude for the aid she had received from Jokowi.
"I received aid for my business capital. Praise be to God, thank you," she remarked.
A cracker merchant, Sri Lanjari, said she would utilize all the aid she received to sustain her business that has been running for 17 years.
"Thank you, Mr. Jokowi. I am very happy. I will use the assistance as business capital. May God always bless you with health, Mr. Jokowi," she stated.
Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana and Head of Wonogiri District Joko Sutopo accompanied President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana during their visit.
Related news: President Jokowi distributes rice reserves as food assistance in 2023
Translator: Yashinta D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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