Following the Major Flood, Bireuen Regent Inspects the Availability of Staple Foods.
Bireuen Regent, Mukhlis, conducted a surprise inspection of the Bireuen Main Market in Geulanggang Gampong, Kota Juang District, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was accompanied by members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), including the Commander of the 0111/Bireuen Military District Command, Lieutenant Colonel Arh Luthfi Novriadi, Police Chief, AKBP Tuschad Cipta Herdani, and District Attorney Yarnes.
During the inspection, Mukhlis emphasized that traders should not raise the prices of staple foods excessively, especially while the community is still affected by the floods and landslides.
"It's okay to profit, but do so reasonably. We shouldn't let the poor suffer from the price hikes in this disaster," Mukhlis said during a dialogue with traders.
Several traders acknowledged price increases for several commodities, such as rice, eggs, cooking oil, and spices. Traders explained that stocks were dwindling due to disrupted supplies from Medan and Central Aceh following the disaster.
For vegetables, distribution from Central Aceh and North Sumatra was said to be the most impacted. In addition to supply, increased transportation costs also contributed to price increases.
"We bought a carton of eggs for IDR 83,000, then sold them for IDR 90,000. Previously, the highest price was IDR 60,000. Transportation costs increased because the Kutablang Bridge is still passable by cars from Medan," said a grocery trader.
Following the inspection, Mukhlis, along with the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) and the Head of the Bireuen Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs, Murdani, gave a press statement. Mukhlis assessed that prices of basic necessities at the Bireuen Main Market were still within reasonable limits, despite the post-disaster increase.
"The price increase was due to transportation costs and is still within reasonable limits. We have been monitoring wholesalers and retailers," he explained.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of traders exploiting the disaster situation to seek additional profits.
"There must be one or two people playing around with prices. Adding to that is the public panic factor," he said.
Regarding the shortage of 3-kilogram LPG cylinders complained about by residents, Mukhlis said his office had coordinated with the central government.
"I have reported it directly to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bahlil. He promised to immediately respond to the complaints of the people of Aceh, especially Bireuen," said Mukhlis, who is also the Chairman of the Golkar Party's Bireuen Regional Representative Council (DPD II).
Mukhlis asked the public to remain calm and hoped that commodity distribution would soon return to normal as transportation access recovered after the disaster.
