Ministry of Agriculture educates the public to shop for food without panic ahead of Eid al-Fitr

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Agriculture is educating the public to shop for food wisely without panic ahead of Lebaran 1447 Hijriah, in order to maintain supply stability and keep food prices under control amid rising demand. “We urge the public to remain calm and rational in their shopping for food during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr,” said Moh. Arief Cahyono, Head of the Bureau of Communications and Information Services at the Ministry, in Jakarta on Sunday. Arief said the initiative is carried out through the interactive talkshow Tani On Stage titled Belanja Pangan Tanpa Panik, Belanja Bijak itu Asyik! as an effort to educate the public to stay calm and rational in shopping for food during Ramadan fasting until the approach of Lebaran. He noted that the event in Depok, West Java, is part of the Gerakan Pangan Murah (GPM) series to maintain supply stability and food prices during the period of National Religious Holiday (HBKN). Arief stated that the socialisation programme via Tani On Stage aims to provide the public with understanding of the government’s steps in maintaining food availability. Various measures for food stability implemented by the government include the Gerakan Pangan Murah (GPM), facilitation of food distribution, monitoring of the highest retail price (HET) compliance, including distribution of rice under SPHP (Stabilisation of Supply and Price of Food). “I hope the public understands Gerakan Pangan Murah as a government effort to maintain supply stability and food prices,” said Arief. Separately, Nita Yulianis, Director of Food Vigilance at the National Food Agency (Bapanas), emphasised that the public need not worry about national food availability. The government continues to safeguard supply and price stability through various programmes, including Gerakan Pangan Murah. “Stok pangan saat ini cukup, sehingga masyarakat tidak perlu panic buying. Membeli berlebihan justru dapat mengganggu distribusi di pasar,” she said. Meanwhile, Freddy, Director of Hilirisasi Hasil Hortikultura at the Ministry of Agriculture, assured that horticultural commodities such as cabai and bawang merah remain sufficient until after Eid al-Fitr. He noted that price fluctuations are more influenced by weather factors that can hinder harvest and distribution. “Secara produksi sebenarnya tersedia. Tantangannya lebih pada faktor cuaca yang kadang mempengaruhi proses panen,” he explained. Freddy also urged the public to reduce food waste by simple home preparation, such as making basic seasonings or chilli paste to extend shelf life. In addition, the public are encouraged to use their home gardens to grow kitchen staples such as cabai. On food safety, Risky Aprillian, a food safety practitioner, reminded of the importance of planning shopping and proper food management, especially for animal-origin foods. He also stressed the importance of understanding the ASUH concept (Aman, Sehat, Utuh, dan Halal) when choosing foods to maintain quality and safety of consumption. Through these activities, the government hopes the public will be more aware of the importance of smart shopping and good food management so that Ramadan and Eid can be faced more calmly and healthily. Separately, Agriculture Minister and Head of Bapanas Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that national food stocks as of March 2026 are in a safe condition, including rice reaching up to 3.7 million tonnes. “Insya Allah, our food is safe. The government continues to safeguard production and distribution so that the needs of the people, especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr, are met,” Amran said. The Ministry of Agriculture also stated that nine staple commodities have achieved self-sufficiency including rice, household sugar, large red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, corn, cooking oil, chicken meat, chicken eggs, and red onions.