Government Urges Public to Avoid Price Hike FOMO during Ramadan
- VIVA/ Ni Putu Putri Muliantari/ Bali
Jakarta, VIVA – The Indonesian government, through Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, has urged the public to remain calm when shopping for essential goods during the upcoming Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in 2025.
This is to prevent the phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on food price increases ahead of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
According to Sudaryono, panic buying can worsen the situation and lead to even higher price spikes.
"Following President Prabowo's instructions, we want to ensure that during Ramadan and Eid, there will be no more FOMO-driven price hikes for essential goods due to rising demand. Stock is sufficient, prices are stable, and the public can remain at ease," Sudaryono stated in his official remarks on Thursday (Feb 27).
He explained that in the context of economics and shopping, FOMO often drives people to buy goods in large quantities out of fear that prices will rise further or that stocks will run out.
"Every year, we face the same pattern before Ramadan and Eid, where food prices experience a temporary increase," he emphasized.
Sudaryono added, "However, the national food stock is adequate, and the government continues to work on maintaining price stability. So, the public does not need to panic or over-purchase."
Wamentan, Sudaryono di Kompleks Istana Kepresidenan, Jakarta Pusat, Selasa, 14 Januari 2025
- VIVA.co.id/Yeni Lestari
He further stated that market operations are part of the government's efforts to stabilize food prices, especially during National Religious Holidays (HBKN).
Additionally, he reaffirmed that such initiatives align with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to ensure that the public can observe Ramadan peacefully without worrying about the availability and cost of essential goods.
"We want to ensure that people can access food at reasonable prices. These market operations demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring fair and affordable food distribution," he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Cibinong Post Office, Mariana Wijayanti, reported that the public response to the Affordable Food Market Operation has been highly positive.
Wijayanti added that since its launch on Monday, the number of consumers has increased daily, averaging 120 people per day.
"On the first day, around 100 people made purchases, according to our records. On the second day, the number rose to 120. It continues to increase, especially since all stock is available. We hope our presence can help the community," she stated.
