By: Nurul Janida )*
Entering the end of 2024, the government is committed to maintaining the stability of staple food prices ahead of the 2025 New Year celebrations. This effort is being made to ensure the stability of staple food prices.he basic necessities are maintained and accessible to all levels of society, while avoiding price spikes that could burden consumers.
Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, said that the availability of national food stocks is more than enough to meet the needs of the community during this long holiday period. The government has taken various strategic steps to ensure food security is maintained.
In a press conference in Jakarta, Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that stocks of rice, sugar, corn, and salt are sufficient for domestic needs. Increasing domestic production is the main factor behind the government’s decision not to import the four commodities in 2025. According to Zulkifli, rice production next year is projected to reach 32 million tons, exceeding the national requirement of 31 million tons.
The government is also targeting sugar production of 2.6 million tons, much higher than domestic demand of only 1.4 million tons. Zulkifli said that this achievement is proof of the government’s seriousness in strengthening food self-sufficiency. In addition, corn production for animal feed is estimated to reach 16.68 million tons, exceeding the need of 13 million tons. With sufficient availability, the government is optimistic that it will be able to maintain price stability in the market.
Self-sufficiency for consumption salt commodities is also a concern for the government. Salt production in 2025 is targeted to reach 2.25 million tons, while domestic demand is 1.76 million tons. Zulkifli stated that this step not only reduces dependence on imports but also strengthens the competitiveness of the local salt industry. With abundant stock, the government ensures that salt prices remain under control.
Extreme weather that often occurs at the end of the year does not pose a threat to price stability. The government has ensured that reserve stocks at Bulog, retail, and markets are sufficient to anticipate spikes in demand. Zulkifli said that good distribution management will be the key to the government’s success in maintaining price stability.
In addition to ensuring food availability, the government also prioritizes fiscal policies that support people’s purchasing power. Minister of Law, Supratman Andi Agtas, made a statement regarding the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12% starting January 2025. According to him, basic necessities, health services, and transportation will remain exempt from VAT so that it will not affect people’s spending in these sectors.
The increase in VAT is based on the 2021 Tax Regulation Harmonization Law. The policy aims to increase state revenue without burdening the people. Supratman said that the government has prepared various assistance programs for the lower middle class in anticipation of the impact of this new policy.
The assistance program includes subsidies for the poor and stimulus for MSMEs. This step is expected to reduce the potential for economic disparities while strengthening people’s purchasing power. Supratman is optimistic that with a pro-people approach, the VAT increase policy can run without significant obstacles.
In addition, the government also continues to monitor the prices of basic commodities in the market through cooperation with related agencies in the regions. Market operations are one of the concrete efforts to prevent price speculation. Regional governments are instructed to act immediately if an unreasonable price spike is found.
This step is in line with the central government’s efforts to maintain inflation stability. The Ministry of Trade ensures that the distribution of basic necessities to all regions, including remote areas, runs smoothly. Increasingly better infrastructure support is considered to be one of the success factors in food distribution.
In order to strengthen food security, the government is also encouraging increased production through the use of modern technology. The agricultural modernization program initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to increase farmer productivity. In addition, this program also aims to reduce the impact of climate change on crop yields.
Not only that, the government is working with the private sector in managing food logistics. This partnership aims to ensure more efficient and equitable distribution of basic necessities. Thus, people throughout Indonesia can enjoy stable prices during the long holiday period.
This policy has received appreciation from various parties, including farmer associations and business actors. They consider the government’s steps as proof of seriousness in maintaining price stability and protecting people’s purchasing power. This support strengthens optimism that Christmas and New Year will run without significant disruption.
The government also appealed to the public not to make excessive purchases or panic buying. Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that food stocks are sufficient to meet needs, so there is no need to worry about supply shortages. Public education is an important part of the government’s strategy in maintaining price stability.
In addition to the food aspect, security is also a concern of the government during the long holiday. Security forces are working together with local governments to ensure the situation remains conducive. This step aims to ensure that people can celebrate Christmas and New Year safely and comfortably.
With various strategic steps that have been prepared, the government is optimistic that it can maintain the stability of staple food prices while improving people’s welfare. This success is expected to be a momentum to strengthen national food security in the coming years.
)* The author is a Malang student living in Jakarta