Southwest Papua TPID Launches Sigerak Programme to Curb Inflation
Sorong (ANTARA) - The Southwest Papua Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) has launched the Sinergi Gerakan Pangan Murah Keliling (Sigerak) programme as an effort to curb the rising inflation rate in the region.
Vice Governor of Southwest Papua, Daya Ahmad Nausrau, in Sorong on Tuesday, stated that the Sigerak programme represents a new innovation by TPID to bring affordable staple goods directly to the public.
“Usually, cheap markets are focused on specific locations where people come to shop. This time, we are innovating by using a box truck to transport staples and visit residential areas,” said Ahmad Nausrau.
He explained that the programme aims to help the public obtain essential goods at prices lower than market rates while suppressing regional inflation.
According to him, inflation in Southwest Papua currently stands at 3.85 per cent, exceeding the national target of 2.5 per cent plus or minus one per cent.
“Therefore, this programme is expected to help control inflation, particularly for food commodities experiencing price increases,” he stated.
Various commodities sold under the Sigerak programme include rice, eggs, cooking oil, chillies, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and vegetables, all at prices below market levels.
Ahmad said the programme is currently a pilot project in Sorong City using one mobile truck fleet.
However, he added, if the programme is deemed effective in curbing inflation and assisting the public, the government will increase the number of vehicles and expand implementation to other districts and cities in Southwest Papua.
“If this pilot project has a significant impact, the fleet will certainly be increased and expanded to other areas,” he said.
He further noted that the Sigerak programme is targeted to be implemented 10 to 15 times per month, adjusted to market food price conditions.
“The commodities sold will be based on market price monitoring results. If onions or chillies rise, they will be prioritised,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Southwest Papua, Setian, said that synergy among institutions is crucial for inflation control in Southwest Papua.
According to him, inflation control cannot be achieved by one institution alone but requires collaboration from all parties.
“If we synergise, the benefits of inflation control activities will be greater than going it alone,” said Setian.
He revealed that food inflation in Southwest Papua in 2026 reached 7.7 per cent year-on-year, higher than the previous year.
Therefore, the Sigerak programme is seen as a strategic step in maintaining food price stability while strengthening affordability and the smooth distribution of essential goods to the public.
“This activity aligns with the inflation control framework through price affordability and smooth distribution,” he stated.