Market operation pushes prices down

Market operation pushes prices down

BEKASI (JP): The government's initiative to sell basic
commodities directly to the public has pushed prices down in the
mayoralty, an official said Saturday.

The mayoralty conducted the market operation in 10 markets and
shopping centers from late March through the first week of April.

"Bazaars conducted by private companies and organizations
during the economic crisis have also contributed to the declining
prices," spokesman for the mayoralty, Cecep Sutandi, said.

The bekasi mayoralty has distributed 179 tons of rice free of
charge and sold another 260 tons of rice at low prices, Cecep
said.

"In addition, 82 tons of sugar have also been given away and
another 107 tons sold at low prices," he said, reported Antara.

Vegetable oil donated to the poor amounted to 82 tons and
another 107 tons were sold at bazaars, he said.

Thousands of people have lost jobs in Bekasi, one of
Indonesia's major industrial centers, since the economic crisis
began last July. (pan)