Tito Karnavian's Deputy Apologises After Making These Remarks
The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has highlighted the persistent issue of fluctuating food prices, which remains a major concern. Despite 163 coordination meetings on inflation control involving cross-sectoral parties and all regional heads since 2022, the problem persists.
Kemendagri Secretary General Komjen Pol Tomsi Tohir sternly warned regional heads over the uncontrolled surge in food prices.
However, he stressed that Indonesia is a resilient nation. While many countries raised fuel prices due to global oil spikes, Indonesia held firm.
“I want to give a picture: our country is quite tough. If we want to acknowledge it, if it’s great, then it’s great. That’s undeniable proof. Look at the fuel price still at Rp9,300, while in Singapore it’s Rp53,000 per litre,” he said during the 2026 Regional Inflation Control Coordination Meeting, broadcast on the Kemendagri YouTube channel on Monday (13/4/2026).
“Regional heads, Forkompinda, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, try to see how great our country is. But with chillies and onions, it never ends,” Tomsi remarked.
He spotlighted regions experiencing significant surges in shallot prices in the second week of April 2026. For instance, Gunung Mas Regency saw a 57.52% increase, South Bolaang Mongondow Regency 44.58%, and Supiori Regency a whopping 92.77%.
“Our question is, of course, can shallots not grow there? If they can, through a BUMD alone, plant them—not too extensively—for the local community, so they don’t have to buy at high prices. Or involve third parties. If it rises this high, they’re definitely profiting; even at normal prices, there’s profit,” he suggested.
Similarly, red chilli prices rose by 203.44% in Aru Islands Regency, 124.17% in Supiori Regency, and 163.16% in Southeast Maluku Regency.
“Ladies and gentlemen, planting chillies—in a pot, we plant, we water, then just sleep, it grows. If you don’t believe it, ask the Ministry of Agriculture. Plant the seeds, water them, just sleep, it grows,” he said.
“So if anyone says there are technical difficulties, I’m surprised. If the local community knows and loves eating chillies, try to think, have a bit of responsibility. Already fans of chillies but not planting chillies,” he continued.
Moreover, he added, the regions that are big consumers of chillies are the same ones. From all of Sumatra, North Sulawesi, and parts of Eastern Indonesia.
“Do we not understand our people’s needs? ‘It’s hard to plant red chillies, sir.’ I’ve already said, plant the seedlings, put them in a pot, just sleep. It grows. That’s it,” said Tomsi.
“I apologise if I’ve said it like this. Why? This is a classic problem, the same thing over and over. We always face chillies and shallots. Yet internationally, we see our country’s resilience. Others raise prices, but we don’t with fuel,” he stated.
If the government raised fuel prices, he said, it would trigger price surges across all goods.
“Because all goods are transported by vehicles. Planes, trucks, pickups, whatever, all use fuel. With no increase, the President has made a policy with all the risks. So, those of us below, for these small matters, please try to overcome them. We ask for awareness on issues like this,” said Tomsi.
“I don’t hope for another half-room Zoom to repeat, discussing chillies and shallots. Apologies, ladies and gentlemen, we all understand very well and have high education. How can there be another half-room Zoom for regions where shallot and chilli prices rose high?” he remarked.
Tomsi also reminded all regional heads and their teams to understand the needs in their areas and not make excuses. For fulfilling the basic needs of the people.
“Because we eat three times a day. If we build roads, we might not pass them three times a day. That’s the main focus, please pay real attention. No excuses about small budgets. Just plant a little. Hopefully, the Ministry of Agriculture also has solutions,” said Tomsi.