Health Ministry coordinates with distributors to ensure smooth mask supply

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) said it has coordinated with producers and distributors to ensure the smooth supply and distribution of masks, in response to rising mask prices in online and offline shops following volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

“Mask stock shortages have only occurred in a number of places at the retail level, while stocks at the producer and distributor levels remain sufficient,” said Aji Muhawarman, Head of the ministry’s Bureau of Communication and Public Information, in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said that if N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent masks are not available, people can use available medical masks worn correctly. The public is also advised to buy masks according to their needs and to avoid panic buying or hoarding.

The ministry is also strengthening health logistics support according to the needs of affected regions. Kemenkes has distributed more than 100,000 N95 and medical masks, thousands of goggles, medicines and free medical equipment to the worst-affected areas in Lampung, Banten, West Java and Jakarta.

“Kemenkes has coordinated with producers and distributors to maintain the smooth supply and distribution of masks. Businesses are urged not to engage in hoarding or supply restrictions, which cause stock shortages and unreasonable price increases that can harm the public,” he said.

“If people find suspected hoarding or unreasonable price increases, they can report it through the complaint channels via WhatsApp: 0821-14870070/0838-30032003 or the Mobile Alkes application,” said Aji.

Previously, the mass media reported that mask prices had risen by 2 to 10 times due to worsening air quality caused by the Anak Krakatau eruption.