Jakarta governor inspects local markets

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo is doing visiting several markets in the capital to inspect preparation ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday on Saturday.

Fauzi's first stop was Pasar Jatinegara market in East Jakarta, where he had several conversation with the vendors, especially those selling staple food.

He then went to Pasar Cipinang market also in the same municipality.

The government had announced its preparedness ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday, saying food prices would be stable over the next two weeks.

Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said earlier this week food stocks would be sufficient until the Idul Fitri holiday, adding that the government had enough staple food stocks to last until the end of the year.

She also said food prices were basically stable, except for perishable products such as red chilies, beef and chicken - whose prices usually went up a few days before the beginning of Ramadan and before Idul Fitri.