PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is trying to reduce the price of rice on the market. The target, before fasting, can be reduced by around IDR 2,000 from the current price.

Head of the Bandung City Food Security and Agriculture Service, Gin Gin Ginanjar, explained that currently the price of premium rice is around IDR 16,000 with a HET (Highest Retail Price) of IDR 12,900.

Meanwhile, the HET for medium rice has now reached IDR 12,000 from the previous IDR 10,900.

"We are trying before fasting to get around IDR 2,000 or IDR 3,000. We will have lots of stock and intensify market operations," he said.

Gin Gin revealed that currently there is a decline in rice production in a number of producing areas. This is thought to be the trigger for rising rice prices.

"Actually, almost everything, even the national level, is continuing to experience increases. Today we are conducting a stock availability survey including prices. We hope this increase will not last long," he said.

Apart from central government assistance, the Bandung City Government also continues to strive to reduce this increase by holding Cheap Market and Cheap Food Movement activities.

"We are also strengthened by the activities of the Cheap Market and the Cheap Food Movement. "Even Bulog regularly releases rice to the market and the public," he said. (rdp*)