By: Jagad Kusuma Raya )*
Ahead of the 2024 Christmas and New Year (Nataru) celebrations, the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has shown extraordinary commitment to maintaining food stability. The strategic steps taken are aimed at ensuring the availability of basic necessities and calming the public from concerns about price spikes.
The Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo Adi, revealed that food stocks are currently in a safe and stable condition, with government rice reserves reaching 2 million tons. Arief emphasized the readiness of Bulog and ID FOOD to absorb production from farmers and producers. The government’s rice reserves are sufficient to meet the needs of the community until the end of the year. His party also ensures that the distribution of cooking oil such as MinyaKita is available at affordable prices.
In addition, Arief appealed to regional governments to have their own food reserves. This step is an important key in preventing stock shortages in various regions. Regional governments also need to be proactive in preparing food reserves to maintain stability at the local level. This approach not only strengthens stock availability, but also supports more even distribution throughout Indonesia.
Acting Governor of Jakarta, Teguh Setyabudi confirmed that food stocks for Nataru 2024 are in a safe condition. With the availability of rice stocks reaching 385,781 tons, while the need is projected to be only around 217 thousand tons, the capital city is in a more than sufficient situation. Teguh assured the public not to worry because his party has ensured that the supply of rice and other basic necessities is safe until early next year.
Teguh highlighted the importance of coordination between regional and central governments. With direct support from the central government, Jakarta can be an example of effective food management. Not only rice, other basic necessities such as sugar, cooking oil, and meat have also been ensured to be available. This collaborative effort shows how Prabowo-Gibran’s leadership is able to provide a sense of security to the community, especially at important moments such as Nataru.
The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Rice Millers and Rice Entrepreneurs Association (Perpadi), Sutarto Alimoeso, emphasized that rice prices are not expected to fluctuate until the end of 2024. Based on the forecast results conducted by Perpadi, the rice price situation is projected to be stable until December.
However, Sutarto reminded that price increases usually occur at the beginning of the year. Therefore, anticipatory steps such as the absorption of harvest results by Bulog and ID FOOD are very important to maintain price stability in early 2025. This preventive approach not only ensures that prices remain stable, but also provides certainty to farmers and producers to remain productive.
The success of maintaining food stability cannot be separated from the various strategic policies implemented by the government. Since the beginning of the administration, Prabowo-Gibran has placed food security as one of the main priorities. From the supply side, efforts to strengthen rice reserves and other staple foods are carried out through cooperation with various parties, including the private sector. Meanwhile, from the distribution side, special attention is given to food-insecure areas so that there is no gap.
In addition, the government is also strengthening synergy with regions through supporting programs such as logistics subsidies for food distribution. This aims to accelerate the distribution of staple foods to remote or isolated areas. Thus, people throughout the country can feel the positive impact of government policies.
In facing the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Indonesian people are invited to remain optimistic and support the government’s efforts to maintain food stability. President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran’s commitment to ensuring the availability of basic necessities is real evidence of their concern for the needs of the people.
With the steps that have been taken, the community can celebrate Christmas and New Year with joy. Trust the government to maintain food security, because together, we can overcome challenges and achieve better welfare.
As conveyed by various parties, the national food situation towards the end of the year is under control. So, let us realize the spirit of togetherness by supporting government policies that support the welfare of the people.
)* Food observer from the Banyuwangi Nusantara Rice Community
