Jakarta, Aug. 24 -- Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that the government will continue rice market operations to protect the public from soaring staple prices.

He confirmed on Sunday that the government is acting on President Prabowo Subianto's directive to curb the surge in rice prices.

Under the Food Price Stability (SPHP) scheme, the government has distributed 1.3 million tons of rice at affordable prices ranging from Rp12,000 to Rp12,500 (around US$0.77) per kilogram.

The operation has so far yielded positive results, with 13 provinces reporting lower rice prices. Sulaiman expressed confidence that prices will continue to decline as the initiative proceeds.

He also urged the public not to be misled ...