By President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed his ministers to ensure food availability and stability in the country ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which will start in mid-March 2023. He conveyed the order during a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
Jokowi said that food security and stability are a priority for the government, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when the demand and consumption of food increase significantly. He asked the relevant ministries and agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the people can worship peacefully and sincerely.
“In March we will enter the month of Ramadan and in April we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. I ask all relevant ministries and agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the community can worship in peace and sincerity,” he said, as quoted by ANTARA.
He also asked the ministers to monitor the food stocks and prices in the market, and to take preventive and corrective measures if there are any signs of scarcity or inflation. He said that the government has several programs and policies to maintain food supply and price stability, such as the Cheap Food Movement (GPM), the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program, and the market operation.
Social Protection and Transportation as a Support
In addition to food security and stability, Jokowi also instructed the ministers to accelerate the distribution of all social protection packages, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), the Staple Food Card, the Pre-Employment Card, and the Direct Cash Assistance (BLT). He said that these programs are aimed to help the low-income and vulnerable groups, especially during the pandemic and the economic downturn.
He also urged the ministers to prepare the infrastructure and transportation modes that will be used by the people for the Eid homecoming exodus. He said that this is an annual activity that requires careful planning and coordination, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the government will implement strict health protocols and regulations to prevent the spread of the virus during the mass movement.
“I think we always prepare it every year because this is an annual activity. But this year, we still have to pay attention to the COVID-19 situation. We have to be careful and follow the health protocols,” he said.
A Commitment to Serve the People
Jokowi said that the government’s commitment is to serve the people and to ensure their welfare and well-being. He said that the government will work hard and smart to overcome the challenges and problems that the country faces, such as the pandemic, the economic recovery, the food security, and the social protection.
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the ministers and the officials for their dedication and performance. He said that he hopes that the government can continue to work together and cooperate with each other, as well as with the regional governments, the private sector, and the civil society, to achieve the national goals and vision.