Fully Supporting the Government’s Firm Policy, Guaranteeing Stability of Ramadan Food Prices
By: Fajar Bintang Alam )*
The government’s firm steps in controlling food prices ahead of Ramadan 2025 provide certainty for the public. President Prabowo Subianto instructed all ministries and related institutions to ensure that food prices remain stable and below the Highest Retail Price (HET). Various strategies have been prepared, including strict supervision in the market and the implementation of market operations to suppress potential price spikes.
Deputy for Coordination of Information and Communication Evaluation of the Presidential Communications Office Fritz Edward Siregar emphasized that the government prioritizes the stability of prices of major food commodities such as cooking oil and sugar.
Concrete efforts will be made immediately through direct intervention if there is a price spike that has the potential to harm the public. The relevant ministries together with BUMN collaborate to ensure that prices remain under control by utilizing various assets owned, from distribution to providing outlets for market operations.
In line with the President’s direction, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of BUMN have a strategic role in keeping prices affordable. The two ministries work together to oversee distribution and ensure that no party takes excessive advantage by raising prices outside the provisions that have been set. The government’s seriousness in maintaining price stability is not only seen from the policies made, but also from real actions in their implementation.
The Cheap Food Movement is one form of intervention designed so that people can still access basic necessities at reasonable prices. Support from various BUMNs allows market operations to run more effectively, both in terms of distribution and accessibility for people in various regions. The government ensures that all components involved must support each other to anticipate potential price fluctuations in the market.
In addition to strict supervision, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that firm action will be taken against entrepreneurs who do not comply with the established price policies.
Law enforcement will be carried out without compromise, including sealing and freezing permits for business actors who are proven to be selling basic necessities above the HET. This action is proof that the government is truly on the side of the people and will not allow speculators to harm the common people.
The government has set the HET for Minyakita at IDR 15,700 per liter, but the price in the field still shows a higher figure, namely IDR 17,500 per liter. The Minister of Agriculture is targeting that the price can return to the provisions, so that cooking oil can still be affordable for all levels of society. Strict supervision will continue to be carried out so that no party plays around in determining the price of basic necessities.
Full support for this policy was also conveyed by the Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. The Ministry of Trade is actively overseeing the implementation of market operations as part of the government’s commitment to guaranteeing food needs during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
This step is not only aimed at stabilizing prices, but also providing peace of mind for the community, especially housewives who are the most affected if there is a price spike before the holidays.
The involvement of various elements in price control shows that the government does not only rely on one policy, but optimizes various strategies simultaneously.
Collaboration between ministries, institutions, and BUMN is proof that this effort is not just discourse, but a real implementation that has a direct impact on people’s welfare.
With increasingly tightened policies and increasingly intensive supervision, food price stability during Ramadan can be maintained. This step also proves that the government has a strong commitment to protecting the interests of the community and ensuring the availability of food at reasonable prices.
Strict action against business actors who violate the rules further strengthens the belief that the state is present to guard the welfare of the people, especially during important moments such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Success in maintaining food price stability not only has a positive impact on the community, but also strengthens public trust in the government. With the concrete steps that have been prepared, Ramadan 2025 can be passed more calmly, without worrying about spikes in staple food prices.
The government has shown that the policies taken are not only on the side of the people, but are also designed to have a long-term impact on maintaining national food security. (*)
) * The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute (LSISI)
