As the price of rice continues to rise in Jakarta, the city’s Food Station has implemented measures to ensure that stocks of this crucial staple food item remain stable. With rice being a key element of the daily diet for millions of people in the Indonesian capital, the Food Station plays a vital role in managing supply chains and ensuring that access to affordable rice remains available. In this article, we’ll examine the actions taken by the Jakarta Food Station and how they are working to keep rice prices stable despite market fluctuations.
The director of the city-owned food security company, PT Food Station, Pamrihadi Wiraryo recently announced that despite the 0.6% premium rice and 1.2% medium rice price hike, rice supplies at the Cipinang Rice Central Market are sufficient. He further assured consumers that the supply and availability of rice for the people of Jakarta are adequate for their needs.
As explained by Pamrihadi, the price of rice type IR64 I has increased by Rp25 when compared to April 9, with the current price being sold at Rp12,000 compared to the previous figure of Rp11,975. Similarly, IR64 II’s price has also increased by Rp25. Despite the price increases, the price sold at the Cipinang Rice Central Market remains below the predetermined Highest Retail Price (HET). Additionally, it is hoped that the prices will drop within the coming weeks, particularly during the peak of the harvest season.
On another occasion, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo recently declared the sufficiency of 13 basic commodities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, giving guarantees that domestic production would meet people’s demands during the upcoming Islamic holiday. Although soybeans, sugar, meat, and garlic are among the four commodities imported from abroad, the minister assures the public that there will be enough supply.
The rice and general price hikes were recorded by both the Trade Ministry’s Market and Basic Needs Monitoring System and The Information Center for Strategic Food Prices (PIHPS). The Trade Ministry’s System recorded that medium-quality rice’s price is Rp12,000 per kilogram, a 1.69% increase from the price of the previous month. Meanwhile, the price of premium rice rose 1.46% to Rp13,900 per kilogram. According to PIHPS, the price of medium-quality rice reached Rp13,250 per kilogram on April 11. At the same time, the super-quality rice price soared to Rp14,800 per kilogram.
Overall, the people of Jakarta and consumers in general can be rest assured of their supply and availability during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, despite the price hikes in certain commodities. With the assurance given by Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, particularly on the sufficiency of 13 basic items, there is less likelihood of any commodity-related shortages in the coming days.
