Home Affairs Secretary General Orders Decisive Action Against Distributors Violating Price Caps During Ramadan

Jakarta – The Ministry of Home Affairs has escalated its efforts to control food inflation during Ramadan by mandating that Regional Inflation Control Teams not only monitor markets but also strictly enforce Maximum Retail Price regulations. Secretary General Tomsi Tohir led a coordination meeting in Jakarta, where he pinpointed distributor-level price hikes as the primary cause of recent increases in staple goods, despite stable conditions at the producer level.

Data presented during the meeting indicated that while farmers and breeders are selling commodities at reasonable prices, consumers are facing higher costs due to markups applied by distributors. This practice has pushed the prices of key items like chili, chicken, and garlic above the legally stipulated limits in some areas. The Ministry views this as a serious breach that undermines public welfare, particularly during the holy month when demand is high.

In a firm directive, Tomsi instructed regional officials to move beyond passive monitoring. He called for a proactive, investigative approach where TPID members engage directly with market actors and verify price compliance. "Go down, check, and communicate properly with the champions so that prices can go down," he instructed, emphasizing the need for hands-on management by trade offices and TPID personnel.

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The call for enforcement was unequivocal. The Secretary General reminded all present that the Maximum Retail Price is not a suggestion but a legal standard that must be upheld. He urged regional governments to apply the law decisively against any distributor caught inflating prices. "Enforce that law," he reiterated, demanding daily oversight to ensure market players adhere to the rules.

Addressing the specific challenge of rice prices, Tomsi directed the State Logistics Agency to enhance its market operations. He recommended that Bulog augment its rice stock distribution in localities where prices are climbing. This strategic move aims to flood the market with supply from the government's reserves, thereby exerting downward pressure on prices and countering any speculative hoarding by private actors.

This rigorous approach is framed within the broader national objective of achieving rice self-sufficiency. Tomsi stressed that maintaining price stability is a testament to the government's ability to manage its own regulations and fulfill its responsibilities to the public. He rejected any notion of leniency, stating that accepting minor price deviations compromises the integrity of the entire system and the goal of food sovereignty.

The meeting, which included officials from the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, the Central Statistics Agency, and the Presidential Staff Office, concluded with a shared commitment to rigorous enforcement. Tomsi expressed confidence that sustained, decisive action by TPID teams would lead to a controlled market, ensuring that the 2026 Eid celebrations are characterized by fair and stable prices for all Indonesian families.

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Distributor Price Violations Maximum Retail Price Enforcement Ministry Of Home Affairs Ramadan Market Surveillance Tomsi Tohir