Jakarta. The Trade Ministry and the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) are assuring the availability of food stocks, particularly rice, for the upcoming fasting months of Ramadan in March and April, anticipating the usual surge in food demand.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) said the prices of both premium and medium rice are still high due to disparity in supply and demand resulting from the shift in the harvest season.

"The rainy season, which was expected to commence in September, was delayed, leading to a harvest period beginning no earlier than March and extending until June," he said while reviewing the stocks of various food commodities at Klender Market, Cakung, East Jakarta, on Monday.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Indonesian Traditional Market Traders Association (Ikappi), Abdullah Mansuri, said the premium rice price, which reached Rp 18,000 ($1.15) per kilogram last week, is considered the highest level in the history of Indonesia. The government-set highest retail price (HET) is Rp 13,900-Rp 14,800 per kilogram for premium rice.

In addition to rice, several other essential commodities have also experienced price increases, such as chicken and eggs, which have risen by around Rp 2,000 per kilogram. The increase in chicken and egg prices is due to the high price of corn feed.

Meanwhile, Bulog ensures that the government's rice reserve (CBP) is sufficient to meet the needs during Ramadan until Eid.

"The current government rice reserve controlled by Bulog is 1.4 million tons, and there is still a remaining import quota for this year, amounting to 1.5 million tons. So, the quantity is more than enough for the distribution needs during fasting and Eid," said Bulog's Director of Supply Chain and Public Services, Mokhamad Suyamto, in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Suyamto, the rice inventory at Bulog's warehouse is capable of meeting the requirements for the government's Rice Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program, which is distributed to wholesale markets, traditional markets, and modern retailers. Additionally, Bulog's rice stock is also sufficient for the distribution of rice assistance, benefiting 22 million families, with plans extending until June 2024.

"At present, Bulog is distributing 10 kilograms of food aid to 22 million beneficiary families from January to June," said Suyamto.

Bulog is committed to stabilizing the volatile rice prices by implementing all government directives, including interventions through the Cheap Food Movement (GPM), which involves direct visits to residential areas or crowded locations. The rice is made available below the maximum retail price of Rp 54,000 per 5 kg.

"Time is needed to achieve price balance at both the producer and consumer levels, but this has been well calculated by the government, so the public doesn't need to worry about prices and the availability of food, especially rice," said Suyamto.

On Monday, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo discussed food price stability, preparations for the Eid exodus (mudik), and fiscal policies for 2025 during a cabinet meeting with ministry and agency leaders at the State Palace.