Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan inspected cheap market operations at five locations in Sidoarjo, East Java, as Indonesia moved to curb rising food prices ahead of Eid al-Adha.Hasan said the program followed President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prevent spikes in staple food prices during major religious holidays, according to a statement issued Tuesday.The government held the subsidized market operation on May 25, involving regional administrations, lawmakers, the military, police and other agencies to help reduce household spending pressures.Under the program, the government sold 5-kilogram packs of rice through the Food Supply and Price Stabilization, or SPHP, scheme for Rp50,000 (US$3.1) each.The subsidized price was below the government’s maximum retail price of Rp62,500 for a 5-kg SPHP rice pack.Field observations showed rice prices in local markets ranged between Rp15,000 and Rp17,000 per kilogram, reflecting elevated food costs before the holiday period.Data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Center on May 26 showed average prices for medium-grade rice at Rp15,800 per kilogram and premium-grade rice at Rp17,150.Hasan also met residents and farmers in Sidoarjo to assess local food conditions and hear concerns related to agricultural production and distribution.Farmers told officials that unhusked rice prices in the region ranged from Rp7,400 to Rp7,600 per kilogram, exceeding the government’s purchasing price benchmark of Rp6,500.The ministry said farmers reported fertilizer supplies were relatively stable, although irrigation infrastructure in several areas still required upgrades to support agricultural productivity.Indonesia has intensified market interventions in recent months as authorities seek to stabilize food inflation and maintain purchasing power ahead of key religious celebrations.Cheap market operations have become a routine government measure during Ramadan and Eid periods, particularly for rice, cooking oil, sugar and other essential commodities.The government has also relied on state food agency Bulog and regional administrations to strengthen supply distribution and prevent shortages in major consumption centers.Food inflation remains politically sensitive in Indonesia, where fluctuations in rice prices can significantly affect household spending and consumer confidence across lower-income communities.