Can't find what you're looking for?
View all search resultsCan't find what you're looking for?
View all search resultsThe Center for Economic and Law Studies (Celios) has warned that the free meal program could potentially trigger food inflation and negatively impact small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
resident Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meals program has been linked to rising prices of staple foods in several regions, as the massive increase in demand has strained local food supplies and distribution chains.
In Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, egg prices have jumped by roughly 11 percent since the beginning of the month, from Rp 27,000 to Rp 30,000 per kilogram. Similar price hikes have been reported for chicken, chili, shallots and garlic.
According to Ris Heriyani, Head of the Trade Division at the Gunungkidul Trade Agency, the price increases are largely driven by higher demand from various sectors, including the government’s free meal program.
"The sharp increase in demand, especially from government-led programs, prompted producers to adjust prices accordingly. This is a natural market mechanism," she said on Monday as quoted by Kompas.com.
The agency has pledged to closely monitor the distribution channels to prevent any shortages and curb further price increases.
“We will intensify oversight and work closely with distributors to ensure market stability. Most importantly, we aim to prevent panic buying among consumers,” she emphasized.
Read also: Hundreds fall ill after eating govt provided meals, as Prabowo downplays concerns
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.