FKBI Urges Reasonable Consumption of Basic Goods During Ramadan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Empowered Consumer Forum (FKBI) has called on the public to consume basic necessities reasonably and in accordance with actual needs during Ramadan in order to maintain market stability.

“We urge the public to consume reasonably according to their needs — do not be excessive, and do not engage in panic buying. Consumption that exceeds what is reasonable amounts to selfish behaviour, and the market can become distorted, with prices surging and even supply shortages occurring,” said FKBI Chairman Tulus Abadi in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Tulus also encouraged the public to prioritise quality and health aspects in their consumption, such as checking expiry dates, harmful substance content, and high levels of sugar, salt and fat.

FKBI also urged business operators, including distributors and large traders, not to take opportunistic advantage of the season by imposing inflated prices, let alone hoarding goods in a manner that disrupts basic commodity prices.

“Traders from the SME and MSME sectors must also be aware of their responsibility to produce and market food and beverage products that meet standards, and not to contaminate them with dangerous and prohibited substances such as metanil yellow, formaldehyde, borax, and others,” Tulus said.

Indonesian society is about to enter the Ramadan fasting period. Throughout the month, the public will increase various activities — both worship and economic activities — which are expected to rise sharply in line with demand for various commodities during Ramadan.

This phenomenon will have a positive impact as it will drive the real sector. However, on the other hand, it also has the potential to infringe upon consumer rights.

FKBI hopes that during the Ramadan fasting period and in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr, no market distortions will occur that could undermine the public’s purchasing power. At the same time, the public must also prioritise health considerations and maintain reasonable consumption patterns in line with actual needs.