Government Officially Increases Corn Prices

The Central Government has officially raised the reference price for buying corn to Rp 4,200 /kg at the producer level and Rp 5,000 /kg at the consumer level. The decision is based on the Regulation of the National Food Agency of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 2022 concerning Reference Purchase Prices at the Producer Level and Reference Sales Prices at the Consumer Level for Corn, Chicken Eggs, and Chicken Meat. The increase in the purchase price of corn comes from the Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) Provincial Government proposal.

According to idntimes.com, The Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo, explained that the determination of the purchase and sale price for corn commodities was a revision of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 7 of 2020. The reference price for purchasing corn at the producer level was revised from the previous Rp3,150 /kg with a moisture content of 15 percent. Meanwhile, the reference price for corn commodity sales at the consumer level was revised from the previous Rp 4,500 /kg.

Arief said that the determination of the reference price for buying and selling corn commodities cannot be separated from the struggle of the NTB Provincial Government. Previously, on July 8, 2022, the NTB Provincial Government had submitted Letter  521/230/SEK-DKP regarding the Submission of Revision of Reference Prices for Commodity Purchases.

“Appreciation and thanks to Mr. Zulkieflimansyah and the ranks of the Regional Government, as well as the NTB corn farmers from the National Food Agency. Because it really helps layer breeders and broilers throughout Indonesia,” said Arief.

Arief also explained that requests for distribution or transportation facilities from the NTB Provincial Government through the NTB Regional Secretary Letter numbered 045/223/SEK-DKP were responded well. The Letter also includes requests for revitalization and optimization of transport ports. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also invited SOEs and the private sector to assist absorption, logistics, transportation and distribution. Meanwhile, the support of the Ministry or Institution in providing it comes with the expansion of a better pier.

“Including the provision of a Grain Pump to accelerate loading, it will greatly assist future distribution,” he added.