Head of Jakarta DPRD Commission B Assures Food Stock Security for Four Months Ahead
Jakarta’s Commission B Head Assures Food Stock Security for Four Months Ahead
The Head of Commission B of the Jakarta Regional People’s Consultative Assembly (DPRD DKI), Nova Harivan Paloh, has provided assurance regarding food commodity availability in the capital ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Based on intensive coordination with relevant parties, the stock of essential goods in Jakarta has been confirmed to be in a safe condition and sufficient for the public’s needs.
This assurance was obtained following Commission B’s working session with regional state-owned enterprises (BUMD) in the food sector, namely PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya and Perumda Dharma Jaya, as well as the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Office (KPKP).
“Yesterday we held a meeting with Food Station, Dharma Jaya, and the KPKP Office regarding the situation ahead of Eid al-Fitr. They informed us that the stock for Eid will, thank God, be sufficient,” Nova stated in South Jakarta on Sunday (15 March).
To validate the accuracy of this data, the Jakarta DPRD also conducted direct inspections at several major distribution points. Monitoring was conducted from storage warehouses through to central markets prior to the start of Ramadan.
Nova explained that stocks of major commodities such as rice and animal protein have been secured for the medium term. This is expected to prevent price fluctuations that typically occur due to increased demand ahead of Eid.
“We also inspected Food Station some time ago and also visited markets, specifically the Kramat Jati Central Market before Ramadan. Even from the BUMD themselves, the stock of rice and food items such as meat and chicken managed by Dharma Jaya will be sufficient for the next three months or perhaps even four months,” he explained.
Responding to potential price fluctuations, Nova urged Jakarta residents to remain calm and refrain from excessive purchases or panic buying.
He acknowledged challenges with vegetable commodities, which heavily depend on supplies from surrounding buffer regions, but noted that other strategic commodities are relatively more controllable.
“I believe there is no need for panic buying regarding food stock. What is usually more difficult to control is vegetables, as they depend on suppliers from other regions. However, for rice, oil, and meat, we can control them, God willing,” Nova added.
Beyond ensuring short-term stock security, the Jakarta DPRD has also emphasised the importance of long-term food security. The Jakarta Provincial Government, through the KPKP Office, is being encouraged to more aggressively educate the public about food independence programmes.
This approach is considered crucial as a buffer for Jakarta residents in facing supply chain uncertainty stemming from unpredictable global geopolitical dynamics.
“I also raised this point in yesterday’s meeting, regarding how the KPKP Office continues to enhance food independence programmes within the community, such as biofloc and hydroponic systems. This means that communities can also achieve sufficiency independently,” he concluded.