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Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga (second left) with Banten Deputy Governor Andika Hazrumy (left) visit Pasar Lama in Serang, Banten Province, to review food stocks and supply during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr. (ANTARA/HO-Trade Ministry/rst) - 

Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga praised the cooperation and synergy between ministries and local governments in maintaining the supply of basic necessities during Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr.

In his statement on Saturday, Sambuaga lauded the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs as well as other technical ministries comprising the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Industry and other institutions for their persistent efforts to ensure the supply and affordability of basic commodities for the community during Ramadan and Eid.

"The government is working hard, so that our people can fast and celebrate Eid peacefully," Sambuaga noted during his visit to Pasar Lama in Serang City in the company of Banten Deputy Governor Andika Hazrumy.

Based on market observations, the price of premium rice was recorded at Rp12 thousand per kg, medium rice at Rp10 thousand per kg, while curly red chilies and large red chilies were priced at Rp30 thousand to 40 thousand per kg.

Sambuaga noted that the availability of basic commodities in Banten Province is relatively well-maintained due to the work hard of the Banten provincial government.

"We laud that the Banten provincial government has succeeded in establishing synergies with the Central Government and related stakeholders, such as businessmen and community groups, to maintain sufficient stocks of staple goods in the province," he remarked.

Meanwhile, several traders at the market praised the Ministry of Trade, Banten regional government, and Serang city government since the food supplies during Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr were considered safe.

An egg trader in Pasar Lama, Mansur, remarked that a safe supply of foods guarantees certainty for their business, so that they can sell their goods without any concerns.

"Praise be to God, now, the supply of basic commodities, such as oil, eggs, and sugar, is running well. Hence, we can sell with no worry and with a more certain price," he remarked//ANT