Government Holds Market Operations in 4,320 Districts.

The government is conducting market operations or the Affordable Food Movement (GPM) in 4,320 sub-districts across Indonesia. During these market operations, several essential goods are sold below the maximum retail price.

For example, the price of Supply and Food Price Stabilization (SPHP) rice is only Rp 60,000 per 5 kilograms (kg), below the price if it were set according to the Highest Retail Price (HET) of Rp 62,500 per kg.

Then, Minyakita cooking oil is sold at Rp 15,500 per liter, below the HET of Rp 15,700 per liter. There are also chicken eggs sold at Rp 26,000 per kg, below the Reference Selling Price (HAP) of Rp 30,000 per kg.

It was conveyed that the GPM is carried out to stabilize rice prices, which had previously been volatile. The GPM is also being held at the Ministry of Agriculture today.

This movement is a synergy between the Coordinating Ministry for Food, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian National Police, the National Food Agency, the state logistics agency Bulog, Pos Indonesia, Pupuk Indonesia Holding Company (PIHC), ID Food, and PT Perkebunan Nasional.

“We want to build a healthy food ecosystem, as anomalies have been occurring everywhere. This affordable food movement is a real effort to maintain food stability, especially rice, so that it is affordable and accessible to the public at a good price,” it was stated.

In addition to thousands of sub-district points, distribution is also strengthened through cross-sectoral cooperation, namely 414 distribution points with the National Police, 449 points with the National Armed Forces, 129 points through the state-owned enterprise network, and 415 other distribution points.

It was explained that the affordable food movement is conducted to ensure stability for price affordability and to control inflation.

“This movement is very strategic to ensure the availability of rice at stable prices for all levels of society. The GPM is tangible proof of the government’s presence in maintaining food security while protecting people’s purchasing power,” it was clarified.

On the same occasion, appreciation was expressed for this food price stabilization movement. Full support was declared, along with readiness to encourage various regions in Indonesia to implement the affordable food movement.

“Previous food operations have yielded good results. Data from four weeks ago showed a rice price increase in 233 regencies/cities. Then, as of last Monday’s inflation meeting, the number of areas with increases had dropped to 200. This means the movement for stable, affordable food prices using Bulog’s stock is the most appropriate method,” it was explained.