The Covid-19 Pandemic is not only having a dramatic impact on people’s health but also on all aspects of life, including economic aspects. For that reason, a Member of Commission VI (agriculture, environment, forestry and maritime affairs) of the House Lamhot Sinaga has urged the Ministry of Trade, Agus Suparmanto, to stabilize and maintain the national food stocks to avoid chaos in the future.

Broadcasted live in a virtual meeting between Commission VI and Trade Minister in Commission VI meeting room on Friday (3/4/2020), he gave that statement and pointed out the importance of Trade Minister to strictly maintain the existing stability of national food stocks.

“I recommend that the Ministry of Trade reallocate and relax budget to handle Covid-19 and to maintain the availability of national food stocks in order to increase the people’s purchasing power. People’s purchasing power must be put into consideration because it will be the key factor to our society’s social condition,” he stated.

The Golkar Party politician hoped that the Ministry of Trade prepared several scenarios in anticipation of the impact of Covid-19, such as considering the worst-case scenario should this pandemic be unstoppable. Therefore, Commission VI would fully support all actions taken by the Trade Minister to help Indonesia tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I think regulations and deregulations are the major issues arising from the presentation. Commission VI will support all actions that will be taken by the Ministry of Trade in relation to the two issues to tackle Covid-19 pandemic,” said Lamhot after the Minister of Trade gave presentation.

The politician from North Sumatera also underlined that besides focusing on the handling of this pandemic, the Ministry of Trade needed to pay close attention to the management of economic ecosystem to prevent further damage on the Indonesian economy. Therefore, he asked the Minister to be pro-active in ensuring the people on food price stability.

“The Minister must meet and explain to the public (the Indonesian people) to give assurance. If the Minister is willing to do so, I believe they will be rational and remain calm. By proactively convincing the public on the food price stability, the Minister will avert social unrest in the future,” Lamhot concluded.