Vice President Urges Regions to Maintain Food-Supply Stability Ahead of Eid al-Fitr

The discussion ranged from Ramadan to geopolitical dynamics. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka gave instructions to regional governments to continue safeguarding the availability of food and to ensure prices remain affordable for the public. The instructions were conveyed to the Governor of East Java and the Tuban Regent during a review of trading activity at Gelondong Gede Market in Tuban Regency on Friday, 6 March. The review was conducted to ensure staple food supplies remain safeguarded and that the prices of necessities stay stable ahead of Idul Fitri. Upon arriving at the location, the Vice President inspected the market area and interacted with traders and members of the public who were active. The Vice President’s arrival was welcomed by Gelondong Gede Market Chief Sutadji and Head of UPTD Pengelolaan TPI Agus Saleh Setiawan. Tuban Regent Aditya Halindra Faridzky described that the Vice President had given several directives to local governments, particularly regarding efforts to maintain supply and prices ahead of Lebaran. “He provided input on how local governments could safeguard supply through Lebaran and remain consistent in keeping prices affordable for the public,” he said. In addition, the Vice President asked local governments to strengthen coordination between the central government, the province, and the regions to ensure the public obtains sufficient food. “We were asked to coordinate intensively between the central government, the province, and the regions so that all Indonesians can access food that is fit for consumption,” he added. (E-2)