Goods' Prices under Control Ahead of Christmas, New Year: Indonesia President

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko "Jokowi” Widodo said that the prices of goods remain under control ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations that drive high public consumption.

After inspecting the Cigombong Market in Bogor, West Java, Friday, Dec. 23, Jokowi admitted that several food prices had increased, but many good prices had decreased.

"I think everything is still under control," said President Jokowi, who is accompanied by West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil.

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Jokowi said that several food ingredients that recorded price hikes, included frozen meat, shallots, and rice, while foodstuffs that experienced a decline in prices were garlic, eggs, and chilies.

"I am glad that the prices of some of these items have come down. Meat and frozen meat are the two items that are going up," he said.

Jokowi said a price increase of 2,000 rupiahs ($0.13) per kilogram was recorded for shallots; while the price of chili dropped significantly from about 60,000 rupiahs ($3.85) per kilogram to 30,000 rupiahs ($1.92) per kilogram.

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Jokowi said the stability in food prices was also under control across the country, not only at the Cigombong Market.

"We do not just visit this market. However, in essence, there are similarities (there are spikes and drops in prices)," Jokowi said.

"(The price of) chili is now dropping drastically to 30,000 rupiahs ($1.92) from more than 60,000 ($3.85). The prices are very good near Christmas and New Year, while rice experienced a slight price increase," the President said.