Government Guarantees Food Availability Facing Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr
- VIVA/Anisa Aulia
VIVA – Approaching the month of Ramadhan, the availability of food is very important because the need for it will increase. Therefore, maintaining the availability and price of food is a priority to meet the needs of the community in the holy month until Eid al-Fitr.
Acting Deputy for Coordination of Macroeconomics and Finance of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Ferry Irawan, said that ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2023, the national food security sector is still facing global economic uncertainty. In addition, there are still disparities in supply over time and between regions. Likewise, climate and weather factors that can affect food supply in the future.
"Therefore, the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy is orchestrating policies to maintain price stability. In the context of the target, our inflation in 2023 can return to the initial target of approximately one to three percent," he said in the FMB9 Dialogue with the theme "Maintaining Food Prices and Availability", Monday (20/3).
Several strategies have also been carried out by the government to ensure that the food needs of all Indonesian people are met. Especially during the holy month, which in its history cycles of rising price trends have always occurred.
From the food supply side, he said, his party is continuously monitoring the price of staple needs on an ongoing basis. Several commodities that are of concern to the government include rice, cooking oil, chili peppers, onions, meat and eggs, as well as beef, so that they remain affordable to the public.
Second, the government will ensure the availability of food supplies in all regions, including coordination with distributor warehouses, traditional markets, modern retail markets, and producers. Third, optimizing the implementation of market operations or low-cost bazaars. This step was taken to maintain the stability of food supply and prices, especially for strategic food commodities.
Fourth, ensure the smooth distribution of food supply. The government can allocate a budget for assistance or subsidies for transportation costs through the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD). Fifth, coordinating with law enforcement officials to carry out joint supervision and corrective measures for indications of irregular price increases, distribution disruptions, and hoarding.
Finally, management of community expectations needs to be done. The government needs to communicate transparently regarding supply availability and the efforts that have been made to maintain stock availability.
"Apart from that, appeals to the public through religious leaders, community leaders, social media, and public service advertisements, it is hoped that the public can consume fairly and shop wisely," said Ferry.
On the other hand, Head of Planning, Cooperation and Public Relations of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Risfaheri, added B that currently the government has intensified the movement of cheap markets in various districts and cities. In addition, the budget in terms of food security has also been expanded through APBN and PBD.
"People don't need to worry, food reserves are sufficient. The government has calculated very well. Not only Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, we also count until the end of the year. The most important thing for the public is to spend wisely so as not to cause shocks in the market," concluded Heri.
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