President Prabowo demands stable food prices for year-end holidays

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

President Prabowo Subianto instructed his aides on Sunday, December 14, to take swift steps that will keep prices stable and guarantee sufficient supplies of essential goods as demand surges for the upcoming New Year holidays.

The directive was issued during a limited cabinet meeting held at the President’s residence in Hambalang, Bogor District, West Java, according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Cabinet members discussed food security and the pricing of basic commodities, with the President ordering relevant ministries and agencies to maintain price stability throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Beyond price concerns, the meeting examined broader economic issues, including updates on customs and taxation services and their influence on goods distribution and public purchasing power.

To encourage travel and stimulate the economy during the holiday stretch, the government announced reduced fees for toll roads, flights, trains, sea travel and a range of public facilities.

Wijaya also highlighted the ongoing Direct Cash Aid (BLT) program, running from October to December, which forms part of an economic stimulus package aimed at boosting purchasing power in the final quarter of 2025.

The BLT program is projected to reach 30 million families identified as needing direct financial assistance.

The cabinet meeting followed the President’s assessment tour of post‑disaster conditions in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, underscoring a dual focus on recovery and holiday preparedness.

Attending ministers included the State Secretariat (Prasetyo Hadi), Finance (Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa), Agriculture (Andi Amran Sulaiman), Defense (Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin) and the portfolios for Energy and Mineral Resources, Housing and Settlements, and Forestry.

Did You Know? The cabinet meeting that set the holiday price‑stability agenda was convened at President Prabowo’s Hambalang residence, not at the usual presidential office.
Expert Insight: By coupling price‑control orders with reduced transport fees, the administration aims to curb inflationary pressure while boosting consumer mobility. If these measures take effect as planned, they could help smooth holiday spending and lessen the risk of supply bottlenecks, though their success will depend on coordinated action across ministries and on the continued flow of cash aid to vulnerable households.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific actions did President Prabowo order to address the holiday season?

He directed ministries and agencies to stabilize prices of basic goods and to secure sufficient supplies of essential commodities ahead of the New Year holidays.

When and where was the cabinet meeting that produced these directives held?

The meeting took place on Sunday, December 14, at the President’s residence in Hambalang, Bogor District, West Java.

Which ministers participated in the Hambalang meeting?

Ministers present included Prasetyo Hadi (State Secretariat), Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (Finance), Andi Amran Sulaiman (Agriculture), Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Defense), as well as those responsible for Energy and Mineral Resources, Housing and Settlements, and Forestry.

How do you think these holiday preparations will affect everyday Indonesians?

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