The district government of Kotabaru in South Kalimantan is attempting to curb rising staple food prices by organizing cheap market operation to welcome the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
Kotabaru Deputy Regent Syairi Mukhlis said the low-cost market was held to anticipate price hike that often occur ahead of Ramadan.
“Today we are holding low-cost market to welcome Ramadan and to control regional inflation. Usually before Ramadan staple food price rising, so that the local government provide complete food packages, such as cooking oil, eggs, rice, and other necessities,” he said here as reported on Friday.
The cheap market operation was held in the courtyard of the Kotabaru Regent's office in Sebelimbingan, starting 08.30 Wita.
This is one of the district government's strategic steps to help community to obtain basic necessities at affordable prices, while controlling inflation during Ramadan.
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People were quite enthusiastic. Not only Sebelimbingan residents, they also came from villages of Pantai Baru, Megasari, Gunung Sari and also Stagen.
He hopes everyone who came will obtain the food packages, even though the event only lasted for one day.
“Our targets are two: first to welcome Ramadan, second to control regional inflation, especially staple food prices,” he said.
A number of agencies, including state-owned enterprises (BUMN), regionally-owned enterprises (BUMD), private companies, and business actors were invited to participate.
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They included the Cooperatives, Industry, and Trade Office, the Fisheries Office, the Food Security and Agriculture Office, the Kotabaru BULOG Office, the Kotabaru PDAM, the Kotabaru BPR, the Kotabaru Bank Kalsel, and companies such as PT Guthrie Internasional and others.
Participation of various parties was expected to ensure the availability of basic food, such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour, fish, and other necessities at more affordable prices.
Sri, a resident of Sebelimbingan Village, said the low-cost market was very helpful.
She expressed her gratitude to the district government of Kotabaru and Kotabaru Regent for organizing this operation which considers very helpful to the community, especially ahead of Ramadan.
“We are very grateful and hope such activities to held more often, especially when prices of basic necessities are rising like now,” she said.
Editor : Mahdani
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