He affirmed that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against stakeholders found selling food commodities above their highest retail price (HET), particularly as demands are likely to hike ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holidays.
"We and all food stakeholders have agreed to oppose HET-violating practices and to take necessary measures to maintain price stability at the consumer level," Sulaiman remarked during a food affairs coordination meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, as cited in a statement on Friday.
The minister, who also chairs the National Food Agency (Bapanas), reiterated that the government will promptly punish HET violators, noting that the period of warnings and recommendations has ended.
"Those caught violating the HET will face government sanctions, and the Food Task Force will take on-field measures," he affirmed.
He further emphasized that strict compliance with the HET has become more rational than ever, as the country is experiencing steady growth in food production and supplies nationwide—a trend he described as leaving no room for price hikes.
"National stocks of food commodities, including chicken and eggs, are more than sufficient. Most importantly, we are witnessing a decline in rice prices," he stated, noting that the same trend applies to cooking oil.
Sulaiman went on to say that the government's firm stance on food price stability stems from its commitment to maintaining the health of the entire production and distribution chains, while equally accommodating the interests of farmers, merchants, and consumers.
"In short, we have all agreed to make farmers happy, merchants profitable, and consumers satisfied," he said.
On that note, he added that the government will tighten supervision during the upcoming long holiday period to ensure food prices and stocks remain stable.
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Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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