REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the House of Representatives Setya Novanto praised the government's efforts to control the prices of nine essential commodities (Sembako).

"During an inspection in the Kramat Jati market, I am satisfied that the government has been able to control the prices of essential commodities," Novanto affirmed here on Tuesday.

The statement was delivered by Novanto during his working visit to the Kramat Jati market, East Jakarta. During the visit, he was also accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon, a member of the Presidential Advisory Council Suharso Monoarfa, and members of Commission IV: Firman Subagyo and Robert Joppy Kardinal.

Novanto pointed out that the community was worried about the increase in the prices of essential commodities.

However, during the working visit, he stated that the government has managed to control the prices of essential commodities, and so, the community should not worry about it ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

"Based on my working visit, the prices of essential commodities are under control," he revealed.

"But, I still urge the government to manage and supervise the prices of essential commodities," he stated.

Novanto believes that the government has managed the stocks of goods ranging from distribution to marketing in a bid to ensure smooth operations.

"We will continue to coordinate with the government regarding the stocks of goods," he said.

Novanto also called on the people to use local products in a bid to empower the farmers in the country.

He cited the example of the low price of potato products in Kramat Jati market. The price can inflict financial losses on the local farmers.

"Supermarkets should also buy products from the local farmers," he asserted.

On the occasion, Novanto visited the vendors selling onions, chilies, potatoes, cabbage, melons, and cantaloupes.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo had urged all parties to avoid speculating in order to ensure that the prices of basic necessities do not rise.

"I warn you. Never speculate ahead of Lebaran (Eid). If there is an abnormal increase in the prices or speculation, we will certainly find the perpetrators," he remarked while launching a market operation in Cimahi, West Java, on Monday.

Indonesians, who are mostly Muslims, will start a month of fasting ahead of Eid al-Fitr, and during this period, the prices of basic necessities in the country usually rise to meet the increasing demand.

According to President Joko Widodo, the government will continue to monitor the prices and will flood the markets with its stocks in case abnormal hikes are found.

"I reiterate that the stocks are secure, including the stocks of sugar, rice, and shallots. So, never try to speculate. If you do, I will chase you. If the price of shallots rises from Rp27 thousand to Rp30 thousand a kilogram, I will flood the market with the stocks. I will also do it if the price of chili rises. The commodity was just harvested in Cirebon, Sukabumi, and Sumedang," he emphasized.

President Joko Widodo launched the simultaneous market operations managed by the state-owned logistics company (Bulog) to control the prices of basic commodities.

President Director of Bulog Djarot Kusumayakti stated in his report that he had prepared more than 30 trucks of rice, cooking oil, and shallots for the operation.

"As many as 30 trucks of sugar and shallots were readied for the operation," he affirmed, adding that Bulog had also prepared ample supply of rice, kerosene, and fried garlic.

"In the first stage, 300 thousand tons of rice, 50 tons to 100 tons of garlic, and 25 thousand tons of sugar will be made available per day for the operation. As much as 50 thousand tons of sugar will be supplied to West Java. So, we hope that through the operation, the people will be able to enjoy Ramadhan with peace of mind," he remarked.

Market operations were also conducted in South Sumatra, North Sumatra, East Java, Jakarta, South Sulawesi, and Central Java.

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