Indonesia steps up checks to keep food prices stable ahead of holidays

Madiun (ANTARA) – The central government remains committed to monitoring the pricing and supply of basic commodities nationwide to ensure stability for the public, Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti has stressed.She made the statement on Monday during a visit to Besar Market in Madiun City, East Java, to inspect supplies of staple goods and ensure their prices do not exceed the ceiling set by the government.Accompanied by Madiun Vice Mayor Bagus Panuntun, she reviewed stalls and conversed with merchants about stocks of staples ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2025 New Year holidays, when demand and price typically rise.”My visit is part of the central government’s steps to ensure the stability of basic commodity prices as the Christmas and New Year holidays draw near,” Esti told journalists at the market.The deputy minister said her inspection covered essential commodities, including cooking oil, rice, shallots, garlic, chicken eggs, fruits, and horticultural products.She noted that her office will list goods priced above government standards and identify the causes.Esti highlighted that while prices at the market remain relatively stable, the Trade Ministry will continue coordinating with the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and local governments to anticipate potential issues.”As President Prabowo has repeatedly emphasized, building synergy between ministries and local governments is essential,” she affirmed.Addressing fluctuating egg prices in some regions, Esti attributed the trend to increased absorption of the commodity by the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.”The good news is that merchants now have MBG kitchens as loyal customers. However, one challenge remains: balancing the needs of the program and the wider public,” she stated.She also praised the Madiun municipal government for introducing the “Warung Tekan Inflasi” program, a grocery store-based initiative designed to maintain supply stability when market stocks decline, helping keep inflation in check.”The program’s kiosks can help make up supplies of goods depleting on the market. This way, we can prevent shortages and price hikes, as well as suppress inflation. This innovation may be one of a kind,” she said.