JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Industry and Trade Office is tightening supervision of staple food prices in markets to prevent hoarding and price manipulation by unscrupulous traders amid global conflict.

Head of the Papua Provincial Disperindag, A.Y. Imbenai, stressed that monitoring is being carried out regularly in both traditional and modern markets to ensure price stability is maintained.

"We continue to conduct monitoring so that there is no hoarding and price manipulation by traders," Imbenai said.

He explained that his office has prepared enforcement procedures for traders proven to have harmed the public by exploiting global conflict issues.

"If we find such cases, we will issue a first warning, a second warning, and eventually revoke the business license," he said.

In addition to supervision, the Industry and Trade Office is also educating traders not to use the issue as a pretext to raise prices unreasonably. The public is also urged to shop wisely and not be provoked by issues that could trigger panic buying.

"Shop according to your needs. Don't buy excessively just because of rumors," he said.

Imbenai assured that the supply of staple goods in Jayapura remains secure for the next three months after Eid al-Fitr. Any temporary stock shortages have also been anticipated through repeat orders.

"Stocks are safe, and goods that were running low are already on their way to Jayapura," he explained. ***