Tuesday, 16 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ North Sumatra Governor, Bobby Nasution, has called on all district and city administrations in the province to ensure the availability of staple food commodities ahead of Ramadan and Idulfitri 1447 H/2026. Preventive measures, he stressed, are essential to keeping inflation under control and avoiding sharp increases in food prices.
Governor Bobby noted that price hikes in basic necessities tend to occur almost every year ahead of the fasting month and Idulfitri, driven by surging demand. The pressure, he said, is compounded by requests from other provinces that rely on North Sumatra as a key supply source."Strictly monitor the availability of goods. People across North Sumatra observe fasting at the same time, so demand rises everywhere. Other regions often request supplies from us. We must not allow shortages at home that would drive up local prices," Bobby said during the High-Level Meeting of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) of North Sumatra at Raja Inal Siregar Hall in Medan on Friday (February 6, 2026).
Regional Enterprises to Control Commodity OutflowsThe governor urged local governments to optimize the role of region-owned enterprises (BUMD) as a key instrument in inflation control. Through these entities, strategic commodities can be secured to prevent excessive outflows to other provinces.
Inflation-prone commodities in North Sumatra include chili, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, shallots, beef, eggs, and poultry. Nasution emphasized that BUMD should directly purchase these products from farmers at competitive prices to stabilize local supply."Distribution must be closely monitored. I also ask for the support of the regional police chief and the attorney general in overseeing this process. Local governments can procure directly from farmers through their enterprises at fair prices," he said.
Falling Inflation Reflects Strong CoordinationAccording to data as of January 2, 2026, North Sumatra's year-on-year inflation stood at 3.81 percent, a significant decline from 4.66 percent recorded in December 2025.
Bobby described the improvement as a tangible result of strong coordination among stakeholders in maintaining price stability."At the end of last year, we ranked fourth nationally in terms of highest inflation. Now we are at 3.81 percent. This figure is not just statistics—it reflects the strength of our collective efforts," he said.
Six Key Measures Ahead of RamadanHead of Bank Indonesia's North Sumatra Representative Office, Rudy Brando Hutabarat, highlighted the importance of firm commitment from all regions in curbing inflation. He said this commitment is reflected in six agreements outlined in the inflation control roadmap ahead of Ramadan and Idulfitri 2026.
The measures include expanding subsidized market operations at traditional markets, increasing the supply of beef or buffalo meat, and strengthening cooperation with poultry and egg producers. Authorities will also monitor government-regulated prices, enhance inflation early warning systems, and intensify coordination with the regional food service provider (SPPG)."Subsidized markets must be held at traditional markets, not in government offices, as their impact is greater. Water, transportation, and distribution tariffs should not increase amid inflationary pressure. We are also coordinating with SPPG so menus do not rely solely on eggs and poultry, which could further drive demand," Rudy explained.
The high-level meeting was attended by North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya, Regional Police Chief Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan Februanto, Attorney General Harli Siregar, members of the regional legislature, all mayors and regents across North Sumatra, and senior regional officials. (IDNC)
