High-Level TPID Meeting of Banggai Regency Strengthens Price Stabilization Ahead of the 2025 Christmas and New Year Holidays

Luwuk, December 18, 2025 — The Banggai Regency Government, through the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID), convened a High-Level Meeting under the theme “Strengthening Measures for Food Price Stabilization and Supply in 2025.” The meeting was chaired by the Regional Secretary of Banggai Regency and attended by representatives of relevant regional government agencies (OPD) as well as vertical institutions.

In his remarks, the Regional Secretary reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to keeping inflation in Luwuk under control, with a maximum target of 3.5 percent. One concrete measure being implemented is the regular organization of market operations and subsidized markets on a weekly basis for three months. TPID is also conducting evaluations and preparations for price control and supply security ahead of the Christmas and New Year (Nataru) holidays.

Each OPD presented updates on current conditions for both food and non-food commodities. The Trade Office reported price increases on the day of the meeting for broiler chicken meat, curly chili, and bird’s eye chili, while 29 other commodities remained stable. Prices of several fish species, including mackerel, tuna, and skipjack, declined. On the supply side, stock data from 11 distributors showed a surge in demand for cooking oil, flour, and sugar, although supplies remain sufficient to meet public needs during the Nataru period. Additional subsidized market activities are scheduled for December 20, 22, and 28, 2025.

The Livestock Office explained that rising prices of broiler chicken meat will be addressed through price subsidies. The Agriculture Office noted that increased demand for curly chili to meet MBG needs has contributed to higher prices, indicating the need for subsidy support. Meanwhile, the Food Security Office stated that chili prices have increased but remain below the established Retail Price Ceiling (HET).

Bulog reported rice availability of approximately 4,600 tons, sufficient to meet demand for the next three to four months. In addition, corn stocks total 20 tons. Cooking oil stocks are currently depleted but shipments totaling 20,000 liters are underway. Sugar stocks amount to 100 tons, with an additional 20 tons in transit, sufficient for around three months. During the October–November 2025 harvest season, Bulog absorbed 1,412 tons of rice from local farmers.

In the non-food sector, Pertamina confirmed the availability of subsidized fuel at terminals, with biodiesel stocks at around 2,200 kiloliters (sufficient for nine days) and Pertalite at 1,100 kiloliters (sufficient for five days). Additional fuel supplies from Bau-Bau are scheduled to arrive on December 20, 2025. Pertamina is also maintaining minimum stock levels for three days and continuing enforcement against LPG distributors selling above the HET.

The Task Force reported that the region is entering the agricultural land preparation season, making subsidized fuel—particularly diesel—essential for farmers and fishermen. Challenges arise as diesel is also used for construction projects; therefore, the use of non-subsidized fuel for heavy equipment in such projects is encouraged. PLN and PDAM confirmed readiness to meet electricity and clean water needs. Banggai Police stated preparedness to secure 348 churches and, through the Food Task Force, to prevent hoarding while urging the public to shop responsibly and avoid panic buying.

Closing the meeting, the Regional Secretary expressed hope that all stakeholders would continue to safeguard price stability and supply to prevent inflationary spikes, and that Christmas celebrations for the Christian community in Banggai Regency would proceed safely, orderly, and smoothly.