Jakarta – Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has urged regional governments in Indonesia to actively manage inflation, particularly focusing on the rising prices of chili and rice. This call to action was made during the Regional Inflation Control Coordination Meeting held at the Sasana Bhakti Praja Building of the Home Affairs Ministry in Jakarta on Monday.
According to Antara News Agency, addressing the surge in rice and chili prices is essential. He proposed that one effective method to manage chili prices is to initiate planting movements to boost production. The minister highlighted that chili planting does not rely on the rainy season, allowing for flexibility in planting schedules. Grow bags can be utilized to cultivate chilis as per regional requirements.
The minister noted that several areas have already adopted chili planting movements in urban settings. These initiatives involve planting chilis in significant quantities, often utilizing unconventional spaces. For instance, in Makassar, local authorities have successfully used alleys as planting sites by employing grow bags.
Furthermore, regions that have surplus chili harvests are encouraged to share their excess produce with areas experiencing shortages. This collaborative approach between regions is aimed at stabilizing chili availability and prices across the country.
Minister Karnavian’s emphasis on regional initiatives reflects the Indonesian government’s broader strategy to tackle inflation at the local level, ensuring a coordinated response to the economic challenges posed by fluctuating food prices.