Agriculture Minister Conducts Surprise Market Inspection Following Price Hike Reports, Prices Drop Immediately
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman went directly into the field after receiving reports of price increases from the public. The minister conducted a surprise inspection at Kebayoran Market in Jakarta to ensure food prices complied with regulations.
“We were in a meeting this morning when a report came into the office saying that chicken prices had risen and garlic prices had gone up. After we called the Regional Police Chief, the Director of Special Crimes, and the District Police Chief, prices immediately dropped from Rp 40,000 to Rp 25,000. So it turns out that phone call brought prices down by Rp 15,000 per kilogramme,” he said in a written statement on Friday (20 February 2026).
Amran stressed that the government would not stand idle if any parties manipulated prices during the holy month of Ramadan.
“To all my brothers and sisters, my friends, and business operators — please do not play games during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.
According to Amran, coordination was carried out swiftly with the National Police, from headquarters down to the district level.
“We coordinated immediately. If anyone raises prices, they will be dealt with. This comes directly from the National Police — from headquarters and the District Police Chief — we deployed them immediately and requested enforcement action,” he said.
During the inspection, garlic prices that had reportedly reached Rp 60,000 per kilogramme had fallen to Rp 38,000, below the maximum retail price (HET).
“Garlic was supposedly Rp 60,000. After we arrived here, the price was below the HET, below Rp 40,000. Thank God, the price was Rp 38,000. We thank the business operators,” he said.
However, a different finding emerged regarding subsidised cooking oil. MinyaKita packaging, which should be sold at Rp 15,700, was found being sold at Rp 19,000 per litre.
“This cooking oil is marked at 15,700. But it was being sold at 19,000. I have asked the Director of Special Crimes to process this legally and seal the business unit. But not the retail seller — that is not permitted. This will be traced back,” he said firmly.
Amran even purchased two bags of MinyaKita as evidence.
“I deliberately bought two so they can serve as evidence, to be traced all the way to the major distributors and the companies. Do not let this go. Sir, please announce it once the case has been processed,” he added.
Amran stressed that the government had no intention of disrupting business operators. However, the entire food sector must comply with regulations, especially during Ramadan.
“We have no intention of disturbing any business operators. Go ahead and earn your livelihood, but do not disrupt the government, do not disrupt the people, do not disrupt our brothers and sisters who are observing the Ramadan fast,” he explained.
Amran emphasised that all strategic commodities such as rice, chicken, beef, eggs and cooking oil must be sold in accordance with the maximum retail price.
“It is the government that gets blamed, but it is a handful of people who are responsible. Do not play games with this,” he added.
Amran also confirmed that national food stocks were in safe condition and more than sufficient.
“We have ensured supplies since before the holy month of Ramadan, and they are more than adequate. Our rice is abundant, and our cooking oil supplies the world,” he said.
As a mitigation measure, the government will continue to conduct market operations and strict monitoring throughout Indonesia.
“Operations will continue. I am not only the Agriculture Minister but also the Head of Bapanas (National Food Agency). We have deployed teams across Indonesia. If there is a report of price increases, enforcement action will be taken immediately — no more persuasion, just action,” he continued.
Amran also reminded the public that there was no reason for cooking oil prices to rise domestically.
“We export oil to the entire world. Why should it go up? There is no reason for cooking oil prices to rise in Indonesia. There must be no mercy. Those who seek to exploit the holy month of Ramadan must be dealt with,” he concluded.