Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan conducted a random inspection at Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta on Tuesday morning to ensure food supply and prices during Ramadan.
Garlic was the first and main commodity that Anies checked at the market, where at least 10 tons of garlic was recently sold. The garlic, reportedly imported from China, cost retailers Rp 600,000 (US$41.95) per 20 kilograms.
"[I'm sure they] will run out by this afternoon. The demand for garlic is very high," said Arief Nasrudin, the director of city's Pasar Jaya market operator, who accompanied the governor.
The price of garlic in Jakarta has drastically increased as a result of shortages at the beginning of Ramadan. At Pasar Jaya Market, garlic was selling for Rp 80,000 to Rp 100,000 per kilogram on Tuesday, a significant increase from the usual Rp 20,000 to 30,000 per kilogram.
Anies went on to inspect other products, such as rice, cooking oil and milk.
The governor has instructed his administration to increase the food supply at all city markets during Ramadan by 10 to 20 percent from the usual amount. (das)