Government Prepares Market Operations to Control Food Prices During Ramadan

JAKARTA – The government has prepared a strategy to control the prices of staple foods during the holy month of Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr 2025.
A number of ministries and related institutions are collaborating in monitoring prices in the market, including through market operations to maintain price stability.
Deputy for Coordination of Information and Communication Evaluation of the Presidential Communications Office, Fritz Edward Siregar, emphasized that the government is committed to suppressing the prices of staple food commodities that are greatly needed by the community.
The government is suppressing the prices of staple food commodities, especially cooking oil and sugar.
“The government is oriented towards lowering the prices of staple food commodities needed by the community, especially cooking oil and sugar. If there is a spike, then market operations will be carried out immediately,” said Fritz.
Fritz added that President Prabowo Subianto has instructed ministries and institutions to ensure that prices remain below the Highest Retail Price (HET).
“The Ministry of Agriculture is working with the Ministry of SOEs to ensure that prices remain below the HET. If there is a surge, then the relevant ministries and SOEs will move to support each other,” he continued.
He also revealed that in the meeting it was agreed that BUMN would be involved in the intervention of the Cheap Food Movement market operation through various mechanisms, such as the use of assets for distribution outlets and support for food transportation.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman gave a stern warning to entrepreneurs to comply with the HET provisions in the sale of basic necessities.
“Do not let all basic commodities exceed the HET that has been determined,” he said.
“Therefore, please from the Head of the Food Task Force, the Head of the Intelligence and Security Agency, so that the HET and market operations are properly monitored because this is an order from the commander in chief, President Prabowo Subianto,” added Minister Amran.
“If there are any violations, we will ensure that action will be taken and even the business license will be revoked,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri emphasized that market operations are the government’s commitment to ensuring food availability for the community during Ramadan.
“We from the Ministry of Trade fully support market operations as a form of lowering prices and stabilizing prices while responding to the complaints of mothers in facing Ramadan and Eid,” he said. (*)