Food System Draft Bylaw Set to Be Discussed Next Week
Reported by Fakhrizal Fakhri | Translated by Maria Inggita
Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD)'s Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda) is set to begin deliberations next week on a draft bylaw on the Food System.
"Through this bylaw, we hope the regional government can maintain adequate food stocks for the public,"
Jakarta Bapemperda Chair Abdul Aziz said the draft bylaw had been submitted by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and formally introduced at a plenary session.
Jakarta Govt, City Council Discuss Strategic Steps for Food Security"Going forward, we will discuss a bylaw on food security. This draft has already been submitted by the governor at yesterday's plenary meeting and will be discussed next week," he conveyed on Thursday (2/5).
He explained that the Food System draft bylaw covers not only food availability but also measures to maintain price stability for basic necessities.
"Through this bylaw, we hope the regional government can maintain adequate food stocks for the public. Food prices must also remain affordable, so we no longer see price spikes ahead of major religious holidays, such as for chilies, chicken, or meat,” he noted.
According to Aziz, the bylaw will require readiness from the Jakarta government, including the allocation of a dedicated budget and supporting facilities to secure food reserves.
"The Jakarta government must have a special budget and adequate storage facilities, such as cold storage. For example, cold storage capacity must be sufficient to store large quantities of meat during periods like Eid, as well as chillies, cooking oil, rice, and other basic necessities," he stated.
Aziz expressed hope that the deliberations would strengthen the Jakarta government's performance in maintaining food security, price stability, and adequate market supplies.
He added that discussions on the Food System draft bylaw are expected to take around two weeks.
"Hopefully, this bylaw can serve as a solution to keep food prices stable and prevent sharp increases in the market," he said.
