The Regional Inflation Control Team (TIPD) in West Papua Province checked the stocks of rice, sugar and cooking oil at the Blog Warehouse, Manokwari Port. This check was also attended by the Acting Governor of West Papua Province, the West Papua Regional Police Chief, the Acting Regional Secretary of West Papua, and a number of other regional apparatus organization leaders.
Head of Manokwari Bulog, Firman Mando, said that the stocks of rice, sugar and cooking oil in West Papua are relatively safe. He specified that the stock of medium rice—which is the Government Rice Reserve (CBP)—as many as 1,400 tons. “This can be available until March 2023,” he added.
Apart from these stocks, he continued, there were other commodities such as 100 tons of premium rice, 40 tons of sugar and 31 thousand liters of cooking oil. “Sugar and cooking oil stocks will last until January and It’s ready to welcome December holidays. We expect the price is balanced by conducting market operations,” said Firman.
Head of Bank Indonesia of West Papua, Rommy Sariu Tamawiwy also appealed to the public to remain calm and not to worry. “Everything is available. So we advise that when you shop, shop wisely. All of your need still can be met,” he said.
On the same occasion, Acting Governor of West Papua Province, Paulus Waterpauw said that his party would continue to coordinate with various parties in order to maintain stock availabilities, distribution and maintain commodity prices.
“We will continue to coordinate, including with cruise ship owners. We also hope for a proactive step from people, especially when there are challanges,” he said.
“Regarding the distribution, we will also ask the help from the military and the police who have the means, both ships, planes and cars, for mobility. All of these efforts are to address the supplies availability of the community during holidays. We assure you that we will continue to work together,” concluded Waterpauw.
The West Papua Police Chief, Daniel Tahi Monang Silitonga, revealed that the food task force initiated by his party had been patroling economic centers, especially in cities, he says.
He stated that so far, no indications of irregularities were found. “Previously there was an appeal to economic centers to maintain price stability. It already started 2-3 weeks ago. If there is a violation, action will be taken as soon as possible. However, from the results of our evaluation, they generally comply with the rules,” he concluded.