"The Ministry of Trade has reported, Insya Allah (God willing) it is ready, there is no problem," he said after attending a ministerial meeting on Eid al-Fitr transportation in Jakarta on Monday.
He noted that even though there has been an increase in prices, food availability is still considered safe.
"Indeed, there has been an increase (in prices). This is from rice, chilies, eggs, and chicken meat. However, the increase is relatively reasonable, meaning it has not spiked," he said.
Especially for rice, the government, through the National Food Agency (Bapanas), will carry out market operations to help the community buy foodstuffs at affordable prices, he affirmed.
"Now, the operations have started. Hopefully, even if there is an increase (in prices), it will not really disturb the festivity of Eid al-Fitr," he added.
Separately, Bapanas head Arief Prasetyo Adi informed that the government will import 22,500 tons of rice from Cambodia.
The import will be carried out to meet the demand for rice ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
"We are prioritizing domestically produced rice. However, for the availability in Bulog (State Logistics Agency) now, it is procured from abroad. From Cambodia, (we will import) 22,500 (tons of rice)," he disclosed after attending a meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on Monday.
According to Adi, his agency is currently preparing for the March–April harvest period to support rice stock availability in the country.
He expressed optimism that the government would be able to meet the rice needs of the community ahead of Eid al-Fitr, including providing assistance to beneficiary families.
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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Raka Adji
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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