Tito Karnavian's Office Rebukes Local Governments for Failing to Take Action on Food Prices
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has warned local government heads who have not taken concrete steps to control food prices in order to prevent rising inflation in their regions.
Kemendagri Secretary General Komjen Pol Tomsi Tohir revealed that only 12 local governments (pemda) have implemented concrete efforts to control food prices, such as conducting market operations, market inspections, and other measures.
“We have directly observed districts/cities experiencing rises in food prices. Then, I want to highlight districts/cities that only attend inflation meetings, listen, but take no action. Only 12 local governments have undertaken concrete efforts, although the results are not yet optimal, the efforts have been made,” said Tomsi during the Regional Inflation Control Coordination Meeting for 2026, broadcast on the Kemendagri YouTube channel, on Monday (27/4/2026).
The 12 pemda include Tanah Datar Regency, Padang Panjang City, Tangerang City, Jembrana Regency, Gianyar Regency, Karangasem Regency, Buleleng Regency, Landak Regency, Melawi Regency, Kapuas Regency, Katingan Regency, and Boalemo Regency.
Tomsi continued that there are 40 pemda that have partially implemented concrete efforts, consisting of four to five such measures to control food prices.
“Then, 40 pemda that have carried out 4 to 5 items of concrete efforts. This ranges from Banda Aceh City to Gorontalo City. Although Gorontalo City still records high prices for some staple goods, I still express my thanks,” Tomsi added.
However, there are still 321 pemda that have not taken any efforts at all to control food prices, including some on Java Island.
“There are regions that have not implemented anything at all. There are 321 pemda that have not taken any efforts whatsoever, such as conducting affordable market operations, market inspections, informing distributors not to withhold goods, cooperating with producing regions for smooth supply, implementing planting movements, realising assistance through BTT, and providing transportation support from the regional budget,” he explained.
He emphasised that the 321 pemda should immediately take steps to control food prices and continue reporting to Kemendagri on the food price conditions in their areas.
“I ask that you observe and feel it, do not just attend-attend-attend inflation meetings, but then not go down to the markets, not do anything at all. Our presence is certainly to strive as hard as possible for the prosperity of our society, especially those under our responsibility in each region. Once again, if you do not act, I say you do not act, and if you feel you have acted but do not report it, that’s your own fault, why not report it. If you have indeed acted, then report it, there is activity,” he stressed.