Ahmad Luthfi Monitors Food Prices Ahead of Eid al-Fitr

Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi monitored prices and the availability of staple goods at Pasar Gede in Solo on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Previously, he had conducted a similar inspection at Pasar Bunder in Sragen Regency.

During the inspection at Pasar Gede, Ahmad Luthfi was accompanied by Solo Mayor Respati Ardi. The monitored commodities included, among others, chicken meat, beef, rice, chillies, shallots, and garlic.

Based on the monitoring results, he assessed that price conditions were generally under control, although there were increases in some commodities.

According to Luthfi, price rises ahead of Eid al-Fitr are normal due to increased societal needs. He cited the price of chillies, currently ranging from Rp 70,000 to Rp 80,000 per kilogram, which he considered still within normal limits. In fact, he noted that these prices had begun to decline compared to previously when they had reached Rp 100,000 per kilogram.

He stated that, up to now, the prices of staple goods were still in a safe condition. Although there were price increases, they remained safe and affordable for the public.

“This means a slight increase is fine, as societal needs are indeed rising. For example, chillies are around Rp 80,000 or Rp 70,000 (per kilogram), which is normal. Yesterday it was Rp 100,000, now it’s starting to drop,” he said when met by reporters after the monitoring.

As a precautionary measure in case of higher price surges, he mentioned that the Central Java Provincial Government would involve the regional-owned enterprise PT Jawa Tengah Agro Berdikari (JTAB) to intervene in the market. This step aims to maintain price affordability for the public. Additionally, oversight would involve local police apparatus.

At the trader level, price increases were felt in some commodities, particularly chillies. Samini, one of the spice traders at Pasar Gede, said the price of large red chillies had risen from Rp 40,000 to Rp 70,000 per kilogram in the last few days. Meanwhile, curly red chillies also increased from Rp 35,000 to Rp 60,000 per kilogram. On the other hand, bird’s eye chillies had decreased from Rp 110,000 to Rp 90,000 per kilogram.

For other commodities, shallot prices were stable at Rp 35,000 per kilogram, while garlic was around Rp 40,000 per kilogram. Increases also occurred in chicken meat, from Rp 35,000 to Rp 45,000 per kilogram.

Although prices of some staples had risen, traders said public purchasing power had relatively not declined. Demand remained high as Eid al-Fitr approached, which traditionally drives up household consumption.

“Purchases are the same, as everyone needs them. Especially now with the upcoming holiday,” said Samini.