Bantul Regent: Staple food price rises will not exceed purchasing power

Bantul (ANTARA) - The Bantul regency government in the Special Region of Yogyakarta has stated that increases in staple food prices ahead of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah in the area will not exceed the public’s purchasing power.

“We are optimistic that although there will be a surge in basic commodity prices due to strong demand pull, God willing, it will not reach a level that exceeds the purchasing power of the public,” said Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih in Bantul on Tuesday.

According to him, the rise in strategic staple food prices at markets ahead of the fasting month is a normal condition, as demand for basic commodities increases compared to ordinary days.

However, the Regent said, the movement of basic commodity prices thus far has remained within normal levels as it follows market dynamics, with prices still affordable for the public.

“Price increases are almost certain to occur, as is the usual annual cycle, but the important thing is that the increases do not exceed the average purchasing power of the people of Bantul,” he said.

Nevertheless, the regency government through relevant agencies such as the Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Industry and Trade Agency (DKUKMPP) and the Bantul Agriculture Agency will routinely monitor staple food prices at markets.

“Primarily DKUKMPP and the Agriculture Agency monitor and update the prices of basic commodities and strategic staple goods at markets every day, so that from day to day we will certainly know the price movements,” he said.

Based on preliminary monitoring by officials, he said, there are currently no significant price surges, and stocks of basic commodities at markets are relatively secure and sufficient to meet demand.

“For the time being, it has been reported that stocks of basic commodities are secure — rice stocks in particular are very secure — so we simply need to maintain oversight and monitor from time to time,” he said.