Indonesia's Bulog launches market operations to tackle MinyaKita cooking oil shortage

Perum Bulog, Indonesia's state-owned logistics agency, is taking decisive action to combat the scarcity and stabilize the price of MinyaKita cooking oil, a crucial commodity for many households. In response to widespread public complaints about MinyaKita being sold above its official highest retail price (HET) of Rp15,700 per liter, Bulog's Director-General, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has instructed regional offices to immediately conduct market operations.

These market operations are set to commence this week, with a particular focus on the capital region of DKI Jakarta. The move aims to directly address the price hikes and ensure that MinyaKita is accessible to consumers at the government-mandated price. Bulog's commitment to this initiative underscores its role in maintaining national food security and stability, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's directives.

To further bolster the supply and alleviate the shortage, Bulog has formally requested an increased quota of MinyaKita from the Ministry of Trade. This request is based on the agency's proactive approach, which has historically proven effective in managing price fluctuations, particularly during peak demand periods such as religious holidays like Christmas, New Year, Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr. Bulog's past interventions have successfully kept prices under control, demonstrating its capability in managing the national food supply chain.