JAYAPURA - The Papua Provincial Government immediately took steps to overcome the trend of rising prices of staple food ahead of the National Religious Day (HBKN).

This effort is in response to the increase in the price of staple food which usually occurs two weeks until Christmas (December 25, 2023) and New Year (January 1, 2024)." The supply of these foodstuffs needs to be guaranteed so that prices remain stable and people's purchasing power is maintained during and after Christmas and New Year." Therefore, it is important for the Papua Provincial Government to immediately monitor prices as an indication of supply scarcity," explained the Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Agency, Jeri A. Yudianto, in Jayapura, Sunday (11/5/2023).

According to Jeri, from his monitoring in the field, the price of strategic staple foods is generally in stable condition, it's just that there are several commodities that experience an upward trend. Among others, beef, shallots and cayenne pepper. Nevertheless, the public is asked to remain calm and not to make panic purchases because the Papua Provincial Government immediately conducts market operations to stabilize the supply and price of these foodstuffs.

"People don't worry because the provincial government will hold market operations and cheap markets."

" There are also visits to distributors and distribution agents so that they can directly monitor the amount of supply and ensure that the price does not increase significantly," he said.

It is known that rice stock in Papua Province as of November 3, 2023, is 5,148 tons, which can last for the next 3.4 months. The amount is divided into three regional offices, namely Jayapura 2,369 tons, Biak 1,216 tons and Serui 1,563 tons. Meanwhile, according to the Logistic Agency of Papua, as of November 3, 2023, commercial rice stocks reached 582,818 kg, sugar 235,400 kg and cooking oil 134,756 liters. ***