"We do not want anyone taking advantage of the Christmas and New Year season by arbitrarily increasing prices above the established price ceiling," Amran said during an inspection at Tebet Barat Market in South Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said the inspection was conducted to ensure price stability and secure food supplies toward the end of the year, particularly for the Minyakita cooking oil product.
"Once again, we are the world’s largest producer of cooking oil. There is no justification for price increases. Prices must comply with the existing retail price ceiling," Amran said.
During the market inspection, Amran found that Minyakita cooking oil was still being sold in line with the price ceiling, with market prices reaching up to Rp18,000 per liter.
He stressed that the government’s investigation would focus on upstream actors, especially producers and distributors, rather than small-scale retailers.
"Do not target retail traders. Go directly after the producers. There is no reason for cooking oil prices to rise," he said.
Amran also emphasized that, at the national level, there were no fundamental factors driving food price increases.
"At present, there is no reason for rice and cooking oil prices to go up, as production levels are high," he said.
He further underlined that small traders should not become victims of unhealthy practices in the upstream supply chain.
He warned that parties seeking excessive profits would be dealt with firmly.
"Do not disturb them. Right now, many are seeking profits excessively — the level of greed is already very high," Amran said.
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In addition, Amran said the government would take tough action against upstream business actors if they were proven to be deliberately exploiting major religious holidays for excessive gains.
"If necessary, if it is proven they are deliberately seeking excessive profits, their operations will be sealed and their licenses revoked," he said.
Despite the warning, Amran praised rice traders who have been selling staple food commodities below the government-set price ceiling, saying regulatory compliance plays a key role in maintaining public purchasing power.
"We thank the traders who previously pledged to lower rice prices below the price ceiling," he said.
Amran added that the government would no longer rely solely on appeals but would take firm action against any violations.
"In the past, we issued warnings. Now, if there are violations, they will be dealt with," he said.
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Translator: Muhamad, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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