Indonesia launches nationwide cheap food movement to stabilize prices

The Indonesian government has launched a simultaneous Cheap Food Movement (Gerakan Pangan Murah) across 38 provinces and 514 regencies and cities. The initiative aims to maintain food supply stability, control prices, and expand public access to affordable staples.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Saleh Mustafa emphasized the need for continuous intervention to address low consumer purchasing power. He noted that optimizing food aid planned by the President is essential to ensure equitable access to basic necessities. To support these efforts, the government has provided vehicles to assist in food safety testing and to support the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program managed by the National Food Agency (Bapanas).

In regional efforts, such as in Bogor, local authorities are also promoting food diversification. This includes encouraging the use of local alternatives to rice and wheat to strengthen household food security and promote balanced nutrition.