Bandung City Government Ensures Adequate Food Stock Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
As part of efforts to assist distribution of various everyday commodities and maintain basic food price stability, Bandung City Government (Pemkot Bandung) is holding the Bazar Murah session II, centred in Kelurahan Cigereleng, Bandung on Thursday (5 March). The cheap bazaar is the result of collaboration between local territorial authorities, Bandung City Trade and Industry Office (Disdagin), Perum Bulog, and the retail traders to safeguard price stability and ensure the availability of staple foods ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
Bandung Mayor, Muhammad Farhan, said the cheap bazaar is one of the strategic steps by the government to ensure smooth distribution of staples in Bandung. Moreover, the city is not a production centre, so the availability of food depends on distribution from other regions.
“Cooperation between local authorities, Disdagin, Bulog, and retail traders is crucial so that the distribution of essential commodities remains secure. Overall, prices of several commodities in Bandung are still under control,” he said.
Regarding rice prices, Farhan said prices are still normal as supply is adequate. Beef and chicken prices are also relatively stable. Some commodities have increased in price, such as chicken eggs and certain vegetables, particularly chili peppers and onions. But the increases are not due to scarcity, but rising consumer demand.
Meanwhile, Bandung Disdagin Secretary, Dedi Priadi Nugraha, said that cayenne pepper (cabai rawit) is among the commodities requiring attention. Nevertheless, he is optimistic the situation can be brought under control soon. “Cayenne pepper prices have risen. We hope this can be anticipated soon. The same goes for onions to stay stable,” he added.
Bulog Bandung Branch Chief, Ashvile Nusa Pranata, confirmed rice stocks are safe. Bulog currently holds around 25,000 tonnes of rice in reserve, moving in step with the distribution process and the absorption of paddy from farmers.
Camat Regol (District Head) Sri Kurniasih said the cheap bazaar has received a positive response from the community. Residents are taking advantage of the event to meet basic needs at more affordable prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
At the bazaar, several commodities were sold at affordable prices, including SPHP rice packed 5 kg for Rp58,000, premium rice 5 kg Rp72,000, white sugar 1 kg Rp16,500, wheat flour 1 kg Rp8,500, Minyakita cooking oil 2 litres Rp31,000, and a case of Minyakita Rp186,000. (H-2)
Premium grade I rice was previously Rp14,400 per kg, now Rp15,200 per kg; premium grade II rose from Rp14,000 per kg to Rp14,800 per kg. Beef was sold at Rp140 per kg, chicken at Rp39,000 per kg, chicken eggs at Rp29,000 to Rp31,500 per kg.