Adjusting Strategies for Siomai and Bakso Vendors in South Jakarta Amid Rising Plastic Prices
The rising plastic prices are beginning to worry street food vendors. This increase forces them to add to their trading capital expenses.
One of them is felt by Ipan, a mobile siomai vendor in the South Jakarta (Jaksel) area. Ipan says he has to dig deeper into his pocket to buy plastic bags and siomai wrapping plastic.
“Yes (it’s up), like this kresek bag, it used to be Rp 15 (thousand) now it’s Rp 20 thousand. Then this siomai plastic that was Rp 3,000, now it’s five thousand (Rp 5,000),” said Ipan when met while selling in the Mampang Prapatan area, Jakarta, on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Although there is a plastic price increase, Ipan has decided not to raise his food prices. He says he pities the schoolchildren, who are the majority of his customers.
Abang— the friendly term customers use for the seller—siomai usually sells in the area of primary and secondary schools in Duren Tiga. Schoolchildren are the biggest consumers.
“Wow, if it’s food, I won’t raise it, because I see the kids here (school) too. Especially small children if they buy only Rp 2,000 or Rp 3,000, how can I not give it, I can’t bear it,” he said.
Although he doesn’t raise the price of his food goods, Ipan says his trade still generates profit even if not as much as before. He hopes that customers will always have their sustenance to buy his goods.
“Yes, hopefully they always have their sustenance. The important thing is my trade is safe. The important thing is there’s still profit even if it’s small. Alhamdulillah, there’s still (profit),” he said.
The impact of the plastic price increase is also felt by Ratno, a mobile bakso vendor. Ratno admits he needs to spend more capital to buy plastic.
“Yes (prices up), this plastic alone from Rp 10 (thousand) to Rp 15 (thousand),” said Ratno when met while selling in the Pancoran area, Jaksel.
Ratno admits the price of his bakso goods hasn’t gone up. However, he makes adjustments by slightly reducing the bakso portion.
“If it’s up, no, sir. At most adjust the portion again, a little reduction, not much,” he said.