REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA — The City Government (Pemkot) of Surabaya, East Java, held a cheap market at the same time this Ramadan. In addition to helping to meet the needs of citizens, it is hoped that cheap markets can stabilize commodity prices in the market.
“In addition to providing basic materials at the TPID Kiosk (Regional Inflation Control Team), the city government also held a low-cost market at 244 points,” said Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi, after opening a low-cost market in PenSari Apartment Complex on Tuesday (12/3/2024).
Head of the Department of Cooperative Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade of the City of Surabaya Dewi Soeriyawati said that this cheap market targets residents of urban areas and pockets of poverty. “Our target is the citizens of neighborhoods and pockets of poverty. But, if the space used is not enough, then it can be held in the field,” he said.
Dewi said that the government cooperates with Bulog in providing commodities for this cheap market. A total of 250 tons of rice were provided. It consists of 50 tons of Stabilized Supply and Food Price (SPHP) rice, which is sold at Rp 50 thousand per five kilograms, and 200 tons of premium rice, which is sold at Rp 67,500 thousand per five kilograms.
There are also sugar commodities, which sell for Rp 16 thousand per kilogram, and chicken eggs, which sell for Rp 19 thousand per pack. Dewi said that the Department of Food and Agriculture Security (DKPP) of the City of Surabaya supports the provision of commodity chicken eggs and onions. For onions, 4.5 tons are provided, which are sold at a price of Rp 10,500 per kilogram.
The City of Surabaya will evaluate the implementation of this low-cost market. The results of the evaluation will be a consideration for the implementation of the low cost market return. “We first evaluate the one today, then we can find out if it is held once or twice until the end of the year,” Eri said.
Eri said that the Government of Surabaya will try to ensure stocks of basic materials to meet the needs of the community. He asked people not to panic.
According to Eri, the Government of Surabaya also coordinates with the police to monitor the distribution of basic commodities and anticipate the presence of hoarding companies. “The hope is that every market in Surabaya also knows the needs of its goods, whether they exist or not,” Eri said.