Better rice distribution can lower prices: Minister Karnavian

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasized the importance of improving rice distribution management to help the government control market prices.

The minister noted that rising rice prices have increasingly occurred even in producing regions and surrounding areas.

Karnavian made the statement during a limited coordination meeting to follow up on the president’s directive concerning rice price manipulation and adulterated rice. The meeting was held at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs office, according to an official press release received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday.

The minister explained that the number of regions experiencing price hikes rose in the third week of July 2025 compared to the second week of the same month.

Based on the data he presented, the number of regencies or cities affected by rising rice prices increased from 178 to 205.

To help lower prices, Karnavian suggested several strategies, including reducing transportation costs.

"One policy that can be implemented is providing transport subsidies for food commodities," he stated.

The former chief of the Indonesian National Police also stressed the need to encourage people to consume more local foods to reduce dependence on rice.

He called on law enforcement to closely monitor rice producers and prevent them from manipulating prices. He also urged authorities to take firm action against producers found excessively inflating prices.

Karnavian expressed hope that with these combined efforts, rice prices could be kept under control so they do not become a burden for the public.