Chief of Presidential Staff (KSP) Moeldoko reminded everyone to not toy with the prices and stocks of food commodities ahead of the 2023 Christmas and New Year celebrations during which the consumption rate was high.

In a written statement here on Tuesday, Moeldoko expected the Food Task Force to work hard in monitoring the stocks and prices of food commodities in the market in order to avoid scarcity or increase in prices.

“For entrepreneurs, I also urge them not to take advantage of the momentum of the Christmas and New Year to increase prices as they please,” the KSP chief stated during his visit to the Tos 3000 Market in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday.

Moeldoko stressed that the government would take measures in the event of indications or possibility of price manipulation and food stocks in the market.

“Do not try to toy with prices and stocks. The government will (handle it by itself),” he remarked.

The KSP chief admitted to having visited the market in Batam to ensure that the food commodity prices were stable and affordable to the public.

From his observations, Moeldoko found that food commodity prices were still reasonable and in accordance with the highest retail price set by the government, such as the price of rice at Rp10 thousand per kilogram, and chili, at 60 thousand per kilogram.

“I see the price of chili, which affects inflation, is rather good for farmers and buyers,” he remarked.

Moeldoko also advised farmers to make the most of the current weather conditions in order to boost agricultural production, so that food stocks would remain available and sufficient once it hits the dry season.

“We must (make use of) the current weather that is very good for agricultural land produces, so that our food stocks are strong and not disturbed during the dry season,” he remarked.

Source: Antara News