Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono, accompanied Trade Minister, Zulkifli Hasan to visit the Cipinang Rice Central Market (PIBC) on Jalan Pisangan Lama Selatan, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, Monday (11/7).

We're checking to ensure the availability of medium rice for the KPSH program

There were also National Food Agency (BPN) Head, Arief Prasetio Adi and PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya President Director, Pamrihadi Wiraryo.

Trade Minister, Zulkifli Hasan said that the visit was made to ensure Supply Availability and Price Stabilization (KPSH).

The availability of rice at PIBC is guaranteed to be safe at a medium price of Rp 8,900. The difference in the price of premium rice at PIBC and Makassar was deemed very small.

“According to the facts here, rice is safe, many of them all serve medium rice. The premium ones vary, but Bulog's medium ones are all Rp 8,900. Makassar is also a little different because they use a bag so the price is Rp 8,950 per five kilograms," he explained.

He explained that the medium rice price in several areas on the island of Java is also in the range of Rp 8,000, such as in Wonosobo, Magelang, Kebumen, Purbalingga, and Banjarnegara. It indicates the availability of rice, especially the safe medium.

“It means it is everywhere, the stock is safe. The same goes for the prices of other basic commodities. Even it's cheaper in Makassar," he said.

He went on to say that the price of the majority of basic commodities is under control, except soybeans. However, the President, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, had ordered Bulog to import soybeans.

"There will be a subsidy of 350,000 tons of soybeans. It may be that Bulog's purchase price is Rp 11,000, but it will be sold for Rp 10,000. If we buy now, add about 40 days, maybe at the end of December the price is Rp 10,000-Rp 11,000," he continued.

Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono uttered that BPN and PR FSTJ have ensured that the availability of rice at PIBC is safe. His party also appreciated the Trade Ministry for supporting the availability of rice supply and price stability in Jakarta.

“We're checking to ensure the availability of medium rice for the KPSH program. Food Station and BPN make sure it's available. Thanks to the Minister for backing this up so we know that all medium rice is available here," he said.

One of rice sellers at PIBC, Ayong who is also the owner of Sinar Jaya Rice Shop admitted that the lowest price of Bulog's rice sold was around Rp 8,000 per five kilograms, while Karawang and Indramayu's premium rice is sold for Rp 9,000 per five kilograms.

"But since last month, there has been a disbursement from the government. So it's a bit stuck. If you can keep coming so the price is a bit cheaper again," he hoped.

He also requested the government to distribute more Bulog rice equally in other areas.

"It is because the price of rice has fallen slightly, so many people buy it. If it is higher, the buyers will be slightly less," he admitted.