Kupastuntas.co, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo reminded regional heads to be careful in dealing with the problem of rising food prices. Regional heads are asked to frequently check conditions in the field.

President Jokowi said that the most noticeable increase in food prices occurred from rice to chicken meat. Currently, food price increases are occurring in many areas.

"Be careful with the so-called increase in rice. I have warned Bulog two days ago about this problem. Because in the field, 79 regions, rice has experienced a significant increase. Regarding eggs, 89 regions have also experienced the same thing, increased. Chicken meat races in 75 regions have increased," Jokowi said at the opening of the 2023 National Coordination Meeting of Regional Heads and heads of state institutions throughout Indonesia at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor Regency, West Java, Tuesday (17/1/23).

Jokowi asked regional heads to check directly the conditions on the ground.

"Here please regents, mayors, governors, enter the market frequently, check properly on the ground whether the data provided is in accordance with the facts on the ground. Check directly on the field," said Jokowi .

Jokowi also asked the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) to provide data as it is to regional heads. Jokowi also reminded local governments to be careful in dealing with water tariffs and mass transportation.

"So the BPS in the regions, inform the regional heads as they are. Also be careful about the tariffs set by the government and regional governments. I will give an example of dealing with tariffs for drinking water company (PDAM), be careful in determining them. It can cause inflation to rise. Don't until PDAM raises more than 100 percent, because the data that comes to me is there," he said.

Jokowi asked local governments to make branding according to the potential of their respective regions. Because the current regional branding is similar.

"I need to remind you that we have 514 districts and cities and now the provinces have also been added, so there are a total of 38 provinces. Be careful with the city planning," said Jokowi.

She said. local government must design its territory well. According to him, each region must show its own advantages, not even be similar.

"All urban districts must start designing their cities well. So that each city and district has differentiation. Maximize the potential of the existing regions, create a master plan that really has a vision for the future. Don't all of our cities/regencies be the same," he said. He said the regional government must prepare industries that match the regional potential.

In addition, President Jokowi warned all regional heads regarding political stability ahead of the 2024 elections. Jokowi asked regional heads to maintain a conducive situation.

"The issue of political stability and security is leading up to the 2024 elections. I really ask you to maintain a conducive situation," Jokowi said.

Jokowi asked regional heads to ensure that the people do not become victims of politics, especially identity politics, which often occurs during elections. "Maintaining that our society does not become a victim of politics. It's called identity politics," he said.

Jokowi also warned the Indonesia National Army (TNI) and Indonesia Police (Polri). Jokowi asked TNI/Polri members not to engage in practical politics. "And I need to remind you, the TNI and Polri do not engage in practical politics," said Jokowi.

Jokowi also asked the TNI and Polri to map potential vulnerabilities. He asked the security forces to be ready to oversee the political year.

"Map the names of potential vulnerabilities, don't rush here and there after a new incident. Whose fault is this, whose fault is this," he said.

Furthermore, Jokowi asked all of his staff to go to the field more often. Thus, cases of identity politics can be resolved immediately.

"You really have to have this year to enter the political year, you have to have sensitivity and often go to the field so that small incidents can be appeased immediately. I really entrust this matter," said Jokowi.

Not only that, President Jokowi also warned regional heads about the importance of freedom of religion. Jokowi said every religion has the same right to worship.

"Then, while also meeting with regents and mayors. Regarding freedom of worship and freedom of religion. Be careful. Those who are Christians, Catholics, Hindus and Confucianists, be careful. They have the same right to worship. Have the same rights in terms of freedom of religion and worship," Jokowi said.

Jokowi emphasized that religion and worship are guaranteed by the constitution. He asked that each regional head understand this. Jokowi does not want the constitution to be defeated by an agreement.

"Religion and worship are guaranteed by our constitution, guaranteed by the 194 Constitution

5 Article 29 paragraph 2. Once again guaranteed by the constitution. This must know. The Dandim, the police chief, the regional police chief, the regional commander must understand this, the prosecutor's office. Don't let the name of the constitution be defeated by agreement. The constitution must not be defeated by an agreement," he said.

President Jokowi expressed his gratitude to all parties who helped in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Jokowi said that Covid-19 had been well controlled.

"Thank God, we managed to manage the pandemic and control it well and we can also manage economic stability. We will maintain it so that we are in a very good position," Jokowi said.

Jokowi said that the results of vaccination so far had reached 448 million doses. This is the result of cooperation from all parties down to the RT level. "That's what causes us to be able to solve Covid well. Ask in other countries, is there any treatment as complete as ours?" he said. (Dtc)

This news has been published in the Kupas Tuntas daily newspaper edition of Wednesday 18 January 2023 with the title "President Jokowi Warns of Increasing Food Prices"