President Calls For Maintenance Of Price Stability Ahead Of Ramadhan

Jakarta, June 3 (Antara) -- President Joko Widodo has urged all ministers in his cabinet to keep monitoring stocks and prices of basic necessaries during the fasting month of Ramadhan and before the Eid al Fitr holiday. "At the meeting this evening, we will discuss food stock for Ramadhan and Lebaran (Eid). I want to ensure availability of stocks and stability of prices," he said while opening a limited cabinet meeting in his office here on Wednesday. The president has called for close monitoring and implementation of measures if there are signs of increase in prices or reduction in stocks. "The price issue is crucial as it happens every year. So I hope and urge all government officials to be responsive towards any developments. We saw that inflation in May was high. I hope the ministries concerned, such as the Trade Ministry, and the logistics agency (Bulog) monitor the market and if they find problems, identify solutions immediately and conduct market operations," he emphasized. "I think we discussed this issue twice so far. I really wish that stock and price stability are ensured," he remarked. "Also, make sure that people's food needs are met and that their prices are affordable," the president noted. The meeting at 5:00 p.m. was attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman, State Enterprises Minister Rini Soewandi, Chief of the Central Bureau of Statistics Suryamin, Director of Bulog Lenny Sugihat, Chief of the National Police General Badrodin Haiti, Minister/State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto.