Commission IV of Parliament calls on government to expand cheap markets to curb food price increases
Jakarta — A member of Parliament’s Commission IV, Rajiv, has called on the government to expand cheap market programmes to curb rising food prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Rajiv assessed that the availability of national foodstuffs, particularly the nine strategic commodities, remains secure through the post-Eid period. However, he cautioned the government to remain vigilant about potential price spikes resulting from increased consumer demand.
“Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre as of Sunday, 15 March morning, the price of quality grade I beef at the national retail trader level exceeded the reference price and reached Rp146,600 per kilogramme,” Rajiv stated in a written statement in Jakarta on Sunday.
He explained that under the National Food Agency Regulation Number 12 of 2024, the reference selling price (HAP) for fresh or chilled beef at the consumer level is set at Rp130,000 per kilogramme for front leg and Rp140,000 per kilogramme for back leg.
According to Rajiv, prices exceeding these reference limits require immediate response as they may signal increased demand, distribution constraints, uneven supply disparities between regions, or excessive trading margins.
“Price spikes in beef exceeding the Rp130,000–Rp140,000 per kilogramme reference must be read as a signal of increased demand, distribution problems, uneven regional supply disparities, or excessive trading margins,” he said.
He contended that the government should not treat these price increases as a normal condition, especially ahead of major religious occasions when consumer consumption rises.
“I encourage expanding cheap market initiatives, as this represents one of the quickest solutions to control rising prices ahead of Eid,” he emphasised.
Rajiv also urged the public not to worry about national food availability, as the government maintains adequate reserves.
“The public should not be concerned; so far our food reserves are quite abundant. Currently, the supply balance for our nine strategic commodities extends through April 2026 in surplus condition,” he said.
Nevertheless, he reminded the government to maintain price stability and smooth food distribution after Eid to prevent consumers from facing higher market prices.
Rajiv added that Commission IV of Parliament will continue to oversee national food policy to ensure that supply and price stability are not only reflected in national balance sheets, but are also directly felt by the public in traditional markets.