Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted an unannounced inspection at Kramat Jati Central Market and Cipinang Rice Central Market in East Jakarta to ensure the availability of food at reasonable prices during Ramadan.
"We intend to make sure that the people can carry out their fasting in peace without being burdened by thoughts on prices of food commodities," he said at Kramat Jati Market on Saturday.
Sulaiman added that the inspection also aimed to ensure that no essential commodities, especially rice, cooking oil, meat, and eggs, were sold at prices exceeding the highest retail prices determined by the government.
After the review, the minister confirmed that the merchants were selling goods at reasonable rates despite slight increases in the prices of some commodities.
He then affirmed that the government would not hesitate to take firm action against those found harming the public by manipulating prices for their own benefit during the Islamic month of fasting.
"We do not wish to see any parties taking advantage of the Ramadan month to gain profits excessively. Those found manipulating prices and hurting the people will face severe consequences," he said.
Sulaiman further said that the Ministry of Agriculture has been working closelywith relevant ministries, the National Food Agency (Bapanas), state-run food enterprises, and regional governments to monitor the distribution of food commodities.
To keep prices stable, the government has commenced cheap market operations, offering essential commodities at more affordable prices to residents across regions, he added.
"The government is present to ensure sufficient stocks of food and stable prices while protecting the people from potentially harmful business acts by speculators," he emphasized.
Additionally, the minister underscored that the government is committed to supporting farmers while ensuring affordable food prices for the public during Ramadan and beyond.
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Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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