"(This increase in rice prices) has nothing to do with rice aid because this (rice assistance) actually controls (the price), since the supply is through social assistance provided to the community," Jokowi stated after observing rice stocks at the Cipinang Main Market here on Thursday.
The president said that the government's rice assistance could meet the community needs, so this could help to control the increase in rice prices.
"This is actually to restrain price increases, (and) if it is not (controlled), (the price) will actually jump. This is the formula for supply and demand. The supply is provided and distributed well, so that the price is automatically controlled," he explained.
Jokowi also remarked that the rice shortage and recent increase in prices of the commodity were caused by the harvested rice not yet entering the market.
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In addition, its distribution is affected by floods, such as those that occurred in Grobogan and Demak in Central Java.
"However, I think this has been resolved through deliveries from Bulog to the regions, to the Cipinang Main Market," he explained.
The president is optimistic that within a week or two, the price of rice would start to decline.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the Cipinang Main Market, Jokowi remarked that rice stocks were abundant and would soon be distributed to retail markets, supermarkets, and regional areas.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga, Katriana
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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