To curb rising prices of essential commodities, the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Trade, implemented a Highest Retail Price (HET) policy. Rice is one commodity subject to this policy. However, the HET policy has not been able to curb rising rice prices in several regions.
Based on data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Center, the average price of medium II quality rice in West Sumatra is Rp 13,600 per kilogram (kg). This figure is the highest compared to prices in other provinces. This is despite the fact that the HET for rice in the Sumatra region is only Rp 9,950 per kg.
Meanwhile, the second highest price for medium II quality rice is in Central Kalimantan, at Rp 13,550 per kg, followed by South Kalimantan at Rp 13,450 per kg. The HET for rice in Kalimantan is also Rp 9,950 per kg, yet this is not being observed. The cheapest medium II rice prices are in West Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi, at Rp 9,150 per kg and Rp 9,600 per kg respectively.
(Read Databoks: How Much Rice Does Indonesia Export and Import?)