National Food Agency records 6,589 low-cost food initiatives through July to curb inflation
The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has recorded 6,589 low-cost food movements (GPM) implemented across 38 provinces up to July 2026, aimed at maintaining food price stability and assisting the public in facing national inflationary pressures.
“According to Bapanas records, the total number of GPM initiatives intensified throughout Indonesia from January to the end of July 2026 has reached 6,589 instances across 38 provinces and 448 regencies/cities,” stated Maino Dwi Hartono, Director of Food Stabilisation and Food Pricing at Bapanas, in Jakarta on Saturday.
He shared this information during a GPM event in Tasikmalaya, West Java, which was organised through the synergy of Bapanas, the local city government, the Regional Representative Council (DPD), and the House of Representatives (DPR RI). He revealed that the GPM instrument is the government’s primary tool for dampening regional inflation.
He emphasised that GPM serves as a key government instrument to help the public access staple foods at affordable prices while maintaining price stability. According to him, the regular implementation of GPM in various regions has proven to contribute to inflation control efforts, allowing the public to access food needs at more affordable prices amidst price fluctuations.
Based on June 2026 data, the national inflation rate was recorded at 3.34 per cent, while West Java stood at 3.08 per cent. Meanwhile, Tasikmalaya City recorded a lower inflation rate of 2.72 per cent, a decrease from the previous month’s 2.82 per cent. Maino noted that provinces that diligently conduct monthly GPM initiatives tend to achieve more stable inflation levels.
Furthermore, West Java province has organised GPM 754 times, ranking among the top three nationally for the highest frequency of implementation, with inflation remaining stable at 3.08 per cent. Central Java, which leads with 910 GPM instances, recorded a healthy inflation rate of 2.92 per cent in June 2026. This demonstrates that low-cost markets like GPM can enhance the affordability of staple foods for the community.
Maino added that this aligns with the directives of the Head of Bapanas and Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, who emphasised that GPM should continue to be held alongside local governments and through collaboration with various relevant stakeholders to serve as a significant instrument in maintaining food price stability.
The food commodities sold under the GPM programme primarily include staples such as SPHP rice (Food Supply and Price Stabilisation), packaged cooking oil, and granulated sugar. Additionally, the programme provides animal protein supplies, including chicken eggs, fresh chicken meat, and frozen beef, at prices below the market rate.