Home Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Highlights Basic Commodity Price Volatility, Urges Local Governments to Step Up Monitoring

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs Tomsi Tohir has called on local governments to maintain strict oversight of basic commodity prices to protect public purchasing power, particularly in the lead-up to Ramadan. He drew attention to price volatility that has already become apparent even before the fasting month has commenced.

“We haven’t even entered Ramadan yet, and prices are already rising. This is a challenge for all of us,” he stated in a written statement on Wednesday (18/2/2026).

He stressed that every price increase, no matter how small, must be followed up seriously as it could trigger a surge if not swiftly addressed through adequate monitoring.

“The moment there is an increase above the highest retail price, investigate immediately — find out why it has risen,” he said.

The remarks were delivered at the opening of the Inflation Control Coordination Meeting, held in conjunction with the socialisation of Halal Product Assurance and an evaluation of local government support for the Three Million Houses Programme at the Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters in Jakarta on 18 February.

He also highlighted anomalous price increases in producer regions. According to Tohir, commodity-producing areas should receive particular attention to ensure there are no irregularities in the supply chain.

“Chilli-producing regions are actually seeing price increases. This needs to be clearly explained — why are prices rising in chilli-producing areas when supply is abundant?” he said.

To that end, Tohir called on Regional Inflation Control Teams (TPID), Food Task Forces, and other relevant parties to intensify direct monitoring in the field. He emphasised that inflation control must not stop at the meeting room but must be demonstrated through surveillance at markets and along distribution channels.

Tohir also reminded officials not to assess price increases from their own personal perspective, but rather from the standpoint of ordinary people’s ability to meet their daily needs.

“Don’t measure things by our own standards. If we measure by our own standards, the increase seems small, but for the public, the increase is deeply felt,” he stressed.

He expressed hope that through discipline, strong determination, and sustained monitoring, the government would be able to keep food prices stable and affordable as a demonstration of the state’s presence in protecting public welfare.