Interior Minister Urges Regional Leaders to Organise Cheap Markets if Food Prices Rise Before Eid

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Interior Minister has instructed regional heads to organise cheap markets for the public if food and essential goods prices increase ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H in 2026.

The minister stated that cheap markets represent one form of government intervention against price increases and inflation control.

“To assure people that there is sufficient supply at affordable prices. If prices rise, we intervene through cheap market initiatives,” the minister said during an Inflation Control and Regional Government Preparedness Coordination Meeting for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H in 2026, according to a press statement released Monday (9 March 2026).

Regional leaders were also instructed to remain alert in their respective jurisdictions rather than undertaking umrah pilgrimages during the extended public holiday period surrounding Eid al-Fitr.

The minister reminded regional heads that they must be present during several vital periods leading up to and during Eid al-Fitr.

He noted that regional leaders are the highest authorities in their areas and hold responsibility for power and policy-making in public service delivery.

“This is actually the peak period for activities to reassure people that they can carry out Eid celebrations, with mass migration flows, return journeys, controlled prices, and well-maintained tourist destinations,” the minister said.

“Of course, there is also the matter of residents leaving their homes to return to their villages, leaving houses empty that need to be guarded and managed. Some may entrust their vehicles to neighbours or neighbourhood officials. Additionally, security posts must be established along the main migration routes,” he added.