Impact of Corona Virus, Foreign Media Highlight about Masks which is Sold equal with One Gram of Gold in Indonesia, Police Are Asked to Dismiss

News24xx.com -

Sunday, February 16, 2020, Indonesia has not yet found a positive case of citizens infected with the corona virus or Covid-19. But the price of masks in Indonesia experienced an increse and even exceeded the price of one gram of gold.

Straits Times, on Sunday (02/16/2020), reported the price of masks for a box of 20 N95 3M masks in Pramuka Market, East Jakarta, has increased seven times or approximately Rp1.5 million. Even though the price of one gram of gold in Indonesia is only Rp800 thousand.

Indeed, even though Indonesia has not yet reported positive citizens infected with the corona virus. But, the demand for masks is so rapid, even some pharmacies are out of stock.

For three-layer surgical masks, the thinner material reaches Rp 275 thousand with 50 masks in one box. While the normal price is IDR 30 thousand.

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The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) said it had asked the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) to investigate exorbitant prices. "We call on the KPPU and police to take decisive steps to stop any party acting irresponsibly," said YLKI Chair Sudaryatmo.

For Sudaryatmo, the government must set a ceiling price of 30 percent above the usual price. Sudaryatmo rate, there must be sanctions for traders who raise prices beyond the limit.

 

With the surge in demand for masks, wholesalers seem to be starting to ration supplies to retailers. The owner of Aini's shop at Pramuka Market told The Straits Times that his supplier now allowed him to take only between five and 10 mask cartons, down sharply from the 50 he had previously taken.

"Wholesalers told me they had to fulfill orders from abroad, China and Japan," said Aini, who declined to give her full name.

 

Aini said, hand sanitizers have also seen fast sales and 500ml bottles are now selling for Rp. 80 thousand, up from the usual Rp. 45 thousand.

On Monday, the Indonesian Ministry of Health put the number of suspected corona virus cases at 62, of which 59 were negative. (Riki)

NEWS24XX.COM/MIA