"Governors can organize meetings to control inflation in regions in accordance with the problems in their respective regions," Karnavian stated at the Coordination Meeting on Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in Jakarta on Monday.
He called on governors to hold coordination meetings to control food prices so as to curb inflation that is targeted at 2.5 percent in 2024.
"In essence, essential staple goods must be available for the community. Second, the prices must be affordable. Why? So that people can stay calm," he remarked.
He underscored the need for governors, as chairs of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) in their respective regions, to move swiftly in ensuring food availability and affordability for the community.
Furthermore, district heads and mayors are urged to make efforts to control food prices by coordinating with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) in their respective regions as well as business players.
"In a quite sensitive political situation like now, food and economic issues are also important. We have to control them, so that our people can stay calm," the minister remarked.
The National Food Agency (Bapanas), on Monday, held a joint coordination meeting, chaired by Karnavian, in cooperation with ministries and institutions as well as entrepreneurs in the food sector to realize affordable food for the community ahead of the 2024 Eid al-Fitr.
Earlier, in Padang, West Sumatra, on Sunday (March 3), Karnavian appealed to governors, district heads, and mayors in the country to anticipate inflation ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
According to the minister, the lack of supply and a surge in demand in the community were two problems that triggered inflation in a region.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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