Bapanas: Synergy with Polri to Strengthen Food Price Control

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Chief Secretary of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Sarwo Edhy, said that synergy with the Indonesian National Police (Polri) would strengthen control of food prices, maintaining supply stability so as to protect purchasing power during Ramadan to Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“We continue to monitor and supervise (food prices) together with the ranks of Polri across the country,” said Sarwo at the Coordination Meeting for Eid al-Fitr Readiness 1447 Hijri, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Sarwo stated that thanks to the field monitoring synergy, the results are quite positive because it has helped push prices down in the market and stabilise them.

In addition to Polri, Bapanas, together with ministries/agencies, and local governments also continue to monitor and oversee market prices so that staple foods comply with the Highest Retail Price (HET) and Purchase Reference Price (HAP).

“Praise be to God, most commodities’ prices are relatively stable,” said Sarwo.

He outlined that the Saber Pangan Food Violations Task Force’s work up to the end of February had carried out supervision at 28,270 points nationwide, comprising 18,864 traders, 4,413 retailers, 2,804 wholesalers, 1,564 distributors, 405 producers, and 220 agents.

“In line with the directive of the Head of Bapanas, Andi Amran Sulaiman, that we should also act upstream, not only against retailers at the end,” Sarwo explained.

Earlier, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said that food issues are a serious concern because they could trigger price surges as demand and needs of the public increase.