President Orders Police To Arrest Hoarders Of Basic Commodities

Jakarta (Antara Bali) -- President Joko Widodo has ordered the police to nab anyone found hoarding and speculating on basic necessities ahead of the fasting month and Idul Fitri festivities as it may lead to price fluctuations.

"I order the national police chief to take stern measures against those found hoarding and speculating on fuel oils and other basic necessities to reap profits," the president said while opening a limited meeting to discuss preparations for the fasting month and Idul Fitri festivities at the Presidential Office here on Wednesday evening.

He also directed ministers to monitor the prices and stocks of basic commodities.

"As price rise is an annual crucial issue, I ask the ranks and files of the government to quickly respond to and cope with any change (in the prices of basic commodities). We saw high inflation rate in May. I hope related ministries, including the state logistics agency (Bulog) and the Trade Ministry, monitor the market and prices. If they find a problem, they should identify solutions soon and, if necessary, conduct market operations," he emphasized.

"I think we discussed these preparations for the second time now. I want to ensure that stocks and prices of food items remain stable," he noted.

"Also, make sure that people's food needs can be met at affordable prices," he remarked.

Also present at the meeting were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, State Enterprises Minister Rini Suwandi, Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Suryamin, Director of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Lenny Sugihat, National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti, Minister/State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto. (WDY)