Jakarta Maritime, Agriculture and Food Security (KPKP) Agency monitors the availability, price and quality of food simultaneously prior to Eid al-Fitr 1441 Hijri.

The government wants to ensure that important food commodities are available and at affordable prices

It is conducted to follow up the Home Ministry's Circular Letter number 511.2/3142/SJ dated on May 14, 2020, concerning Task Force on Regional Food Security.

Jakarta KPKP Agency Head Darjamuni said, based on the letter, each region should make a daily report on the condition of stocks and prices of eleven commodities, ranging from rice, corn, big red chili, red cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, beef or buffalo meat, broiler chicken, broiler eggs, sugar and cooking oil.

"The government wants to ensure that important food commodities are available and at affordable prices," he expressed, Wednesday (5/20).

He explains, this monitoring is targeting traditional markets and supermarkets. Despite the availability of all foodstuffs in Jakarta is safe, food monitoring in the market remains very important.

"It is important to re-ensure the availability of all foodstuffs at the retail market level, either in traditional or supermarkets. If everything is available and the price is affordable, we are sure it is in accordance with the facts in the field," he explained.

Related to price ahead of Eid, some food prices are still relatively stable and stocks are sufficient.

"Jakartans do not need to worry and panic, as all food is available and there is no significant increase," he explained.

In food monitoring carried out, the agency also conducts laboratory tests on food ingredients that are widely consumed by residents during Eid.

It is done to ensure safe foodstuffs from various hazardous chemicals such as formalin, pesticide residues, chlorine, etc.

"As of May 14, we had taken samples and the results were negative," he stated.