By: Aristika Utami
The Indonesian government continues its efforts to maintain food stability to ensure that public needs are met, especially in response to increased consumption during Ramadan. This effort is crucial to stabilizing food prices and supplies, preventing shortages or unreasonable price hikes that often occur due to heightened demand during the holy month.
To address this challenge, the government is strengthening collaboration between ministries, state institutions, and the private sector. This initiative aims to ensure sufficient food availability, affordable prices, and equitable distribution across Indonesia. Such collaboration also helps mitigate inflationary impacts, particularly for lower-income groups vulnerable to price fluctuations.
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso stated that market operations will be expanded to maintain food price affordability. These operations involve multiple parties, including the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Food Agency, and the Food Task Force. According to him, inter-ministerial synergy is key to ensuring efficient food distribution, even to remote areas.
To stabilize food prices, the government regularly monitors price fluctuations in traditional markets and modern retail outlets. Interventions include market operations and affordable food markets in areas prone to price spikes. This initiative aims to provide quick solutions for communities needing essential goods at reasonable prices.
PT Pos Indonesia also supports affordable food market operations. Faizal R. Djoemadi, President Director of Pos Indonesia, stated that the company actively assists in logistics to support equitable food distribution. With an extensive logistics network, Pos Indonesia ensures that food supplies reach communities in remote and rural areas.
Collaboration among ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade, Bulog, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries continues to be strengthened to ensure a smooth food supply chain. For example, in maintaining stable supplies of beef and chicken, the government cooperates with livestock farmers and food businesses to ensure sufficient stock. Training programs for farmers are also enhanced to maintain production quality and quantity.
State-Owned Food Holding ID FOOD is conducting Affordable Food Market Operations during the National Religious Holidays (HBKN) period of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1446 H/2025 M. The initial phase of market operations will be held in six provinces: Banten, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta Special Region, and East Java.
ID FOOD President Director Sis Apik Wijayanto stated that this initiative aims to stabilize food supply and prices by providing key food products such as buffalo meat, consumer sugar, and cooking oil at the government-mandated Maximum Retail Price (HET). He added that ID FOOD continues to coordinate with local governments to ensure that market operations are effective and well-targeted.
Beyond government efforts, the private sector also plays a crucial role in food distribution, production enhancement, and price supervision. This collaboration is essential to preventing food supply imbalances. Large distribution companies and modern retail networks support government programs by offering essential goods packages at affordable prices in various locations.
Perum BULOG’s Corporate Secretary, A. Widiarso, stated that BULOG is implementing a grain and rice absorption program to support farmer welfare. As the harvest season begins, BULOG actively disseminates government policies, including setting the farm-level dry harvested grain (GKP) price at IDR 6,500/kg. This initiative ensures price balance and increases farmers’ income.
This grain absorption program not only supports farmers but also serves as a strategic step to maintain national rice stocks. BULOG ensures that the rice absorbed from farmers will be distributed through market operations at affordable prices for the public.
With these strategic measures, BULOG is optimistic about maintaining food availability, affordability, and price stability across Indonesia, while simultaneously strengthening national food security during Ramadan.
The government also continues to encourage active public participation in maintaining food price stability. Educational campaigns on smart shopping and purchasing based on needs are being intensified. People are urged to avoid excessive bulk purchases, which could lead to market shortages.
A solid collaboration between the central government, local governments, the private sector, and the public is expected to ensure sufficient, affordable, and high-quality food supplies during Ramadan. These efforts help communities observe Ramadan with greater peace and devotion, without concerns over food price surges.
The government affirms that these measures reflect a genuine commitment to the public, particularly vulnerable groups. Through joint efforts, food stability during Ramadan can be achieved, supporting the realization of sustainable national food security.
