Food Supply Secure, Rajiv Urges Government to Expand Cheap Markets
A member of Commission IV of the Indonesian Parliament, Rajiv, has stated that the availability of food, particularly nine strategic commodities, remains in a safe and adequate condition in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri and for one week after the Eid holidays.
Specifically, he has urged the government to remain vigilant regarding food price increases, such as beef prices which currently exceed the reference selling price (HAP).
“Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre as of Sunday morning (15 March), the price of grade I beef at the national retail level exceeds the HAP and has reached Rp146,600 per kilogram,” said Rajiv in a press statement on Sunday (15 March).
Rajiv stated that according to National Food Agency Regulation Number 12 of 2024, the HAP for fresh/chilled beef at consumer level is set at Rp130,000 per kilogram for the front leg, and Rp140,000 per kilogram for the hind leg.
“The surge in beef prices exceeding the reference level of Rp130,000-140,000 per kilogram must be read as a signal of increased demand, distribution issues, disparities in supply between regions, or excessive trading margins,” said the parliamentary member from West Java electoral district II.
According to Rajiv, should prices of certain commodities exceed the HAP, such conditions should not be considered normal and must be immediately addressed to suppress price increases.
“I encourage the expansion of cheap market initiatives, as this is one of the quick solutions to control prices that are rising ahead of Eid,” he stated.
Furthermore, he urged the public not to worry as the national food situation remains safe, not only in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr but also after the Eid holidays.
“The public should not be concerned; our food reserves remain sufficiently abundant. At present, the food balance for nine strategic commodities is in a surplus position through April 2026,” Rajiv said.
He reminded the government not to be complacent after Eid. According to him, whilst national supply is projected to be secure, price stability and smooth distribution must be continuously maintained so that the public does not face a heavier burden after the holiday period.
Rajiv assured that Commission IV of the Indonesian Parliament will continue to oversee food policy so that the government’s success is not only reflected in national balance figures, but is genuinely felt by communities in traditional markets and food distribution centres across the regions.