Interior Minister Urges Public Against Panic Buying Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
Tanjungpinang — Indonesia’s Interior Minister (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian has urged the public not to engage in panic buying of essential goods such as fuel and rice amid concerns about price increases during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period.
Tito assured that the public’s basic needs are secure and sufficient ahead of Eid al-Fitr, particularly noting that national rice reserves have reached four million tonnes, and fuel supplies are adequate with relatively stable prices.
“Therefore, the public need not engage in panic buying, as it will only disrupt the food supply chain. The government has already developed schemes to address price and supply issues for essential goods,” he said following a coordination meeting with all regional leaders across Indonesia at the Wan Seri Beni Hall in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (Kepri), on Monday.
Tito also asked the public not to be concerned about Indonesia’s projected economic growth of 4.7 per cent for 2025, explaining that this figure is influenced by adjustments to the methodology used in calculating electricity prices.
The former National Police Chief instructed all district heads, mayors, and the governor of Riau Islands to immediately convene internal meetings to ensure preparedness of food and energy supplies in their respective areas, particularly in anticipation of the Eid holiday.
According to him, these precautionary measures aim to ensure the smooth flow of the supply chain and prevent any distribution disruptions that could harm consumers.
“Regional leaders should immediately hold meetings and coordinate with distributors and relevant business operators regarding supply preparedness,” said Tito.
Cross-sectoral coordination is essential to prevent uncontrolled mass gatherings and to ensure public safety.
“A sense of security and comfort must be provided to the public during the homecoming season and at tourist destinations,” he added.
Furthermore, the Interior Minister ordered all regional leaders to remain in their assigned areas from 14 March to 28 March 2026 to directly oversee situation management in the field.