Imported garlic to enter Indonesian markets this month
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Topics: GARLIC INDONESIA
"In May, around 78,000 tons of garlic will arrive, hence [the stock] for Idul Fitri is relatively safe. Hopefully, other (imported commodities) will also enter [the domestic markets], so there will be sufficient stocks in the market," the minister said at a virtual press conference.
He spoke to the press following a limited cabinet meeting held to discuss the anticipated impact of drought on the availability of staple food. The meeting was led by President Joko Widodo from the Merdeka Palace.
In April 2020, 94,000 tons of imported garlic entered Indonesia's markets, Hartarto noted. The government had earlier relaxed import conditions, based on the Minister of Trade’s Regulation No. 27/2020 concerning the temporary elimination of SPI requirements for garlic and onions, valid until 31 May, 2020.
The domestic demand for garlic is around 50,000 tons. In April, the country imported 94,000 tons, and in May, around 78,000 tons of garlic will be brought into the country, the minister said.
Airlangga further claimed that the prices of 11 staple food commodities have been relatively under control this month. He cited the prices of medium and premium rice, which are currently pegged at Rp11,750 per kilogram and Rp12,700 per kilogram, respectively, to make his point. ■