Agriculture Minister Amran Proposes Holding Minyakita Price Cap, Urges Plastic Producers to Show Empathy
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Agriculture Minister/Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Amran Sulaiman has asked plastic producers not to raise prices excessively amid rising packaging costs that are beginning to affect the price of cooking oil in traditional markets, particularly bulk cooking oil.
Amran has specifically urged plastic industry players to hold back on price increases and to show empathy for the current situation.
“So, there’s a rise in plastic prices, right? My brothers, my friends, Sir/Madam (plastic producers) have been in business for a long time. My question is, have you been profitable all this time? If you’re still alive until now, that means you’ve been profitable, right?” Amran said at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
He emphasised the importance of solidarity among business actors to avoid worsening food price pressures on society.
“Yes, please be considerate, empathetic, show our sense of solidarity when things are like this. Don’t raise prices,” he continued.
While opening the door for price adjustments, Amran reminded that increases should not be done significantly.
“Raise it a little, but don’t raise it too much,” he said.
Requests No Increase in Minyakita HET
On the other hand, Amran also pushed for no increase in the Maximum Retail Price (HET) for the people’s cooking oil brand Minyakita, just because of the rise in plastic prices.
According to him, the government does not have plans in the near future to raise the Minyakita HET.
“Don’t raise it,” said Amran.
Bulk Oil Prices Rise
In the field, grocery traders at Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, acknowledged that the rise in bulk cooking oil prices is inseparable from the soaring cost of plastic packaging.
“This bulk oil is Rp23,000 (per kg). Previously it was Rp21,000 (per kg). Not including the plastic, the plastic is expensive,” said Rudi.
This finding is the result of a surprise inspection (sidak) by Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani at Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4/2026), which directly traced the cause of the price increase in the market.
“Oh, the plastic is expensive? How much percent has it risen?” Rizal asked.
Rudi explained that the price of plastic has experienced a quite significant increase. “1 kg up to around Rp15,000 (plastic price).”
He also compared the price surge that occurred in a short time. “Previously, like Cap Wayang, I bought it for Rp40,000, now it’s up to Rp68,000,” he added.
In response to the situation, the government stated it will seek solutions together across ministries.
“Later we will communicate again with the Ministry of Industry, specifically for this plastic commodity, we are trying to find a solution, so that there is new technology for packaging. Because the plastic price, especially the plastic granules, has indeed risen sharply,” Rizal explained.