Bandung Municipal Government Ensures Essential Commodity Prices Remain Stable Ahead of Eid Al-Fitr
The Bandung City Government has ensured that essential commodity prices at several traditional markets remain stable ahead of Eid Al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. This stability is supported by smooth supply flows and markets’ capacity to meet increased consumer demand.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that direct monitoring at Kosambi Market showed relatively controlled prices despite increased demand ahead of the Islamic holiday. “Today’s monitoring at the traditional Kosambi market shows stable prices because supplies are stable. Demand for essential commodities has indeed increased, but it can still be met well,” Farhan said following price checks at Kosambi Market on Wednesday (17 March).
According to Farhan, increased demand extends beyond basic foodstuffs to souvenirs such as snacks. Several traders have begun sending goods to other cities as shopping activity increases ahead of Lebaran (Eid celebrations).
Although prices are generally stable, Farhan acknowledged that some commodities warrant monitoring due to potential fluctuations, including chicken eggs, chillies, and beef. “Eggs, chillies, and beef may be somewhat volatile. But overall today things are still stable,” he said.
Farhan explained that beef prices currently remain within the Maximum Retail Price (HET) range, though minor variations exist between vendors. Cooking oil and rice are also monitored as safe with sufficient supplies and prices complying with regulations.
For chillies, the highest price recorded was for bird’s eye chillies at Rp100,000 per kilogramme. Chicken prices remain normal, whilst egg prices have actually declined from Rp32,000 to Rp31,000 per kilogramme.
Farhan attributed this stability to the role of distributors and support from various parties, including the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) commitment to maintaining food stock availability. Weather conditions and smooth distribution also support conducive market conditions.
“Praise be to God, supplies are good, distributors are running smoothly, Bulog’s commitment is strong. Our food security is safe, fish distribution from Indramayu and East Java is also smooth,” he emphasised.
From a purchasing power perspective, Farhan assessed that the public’s economic conditions remain fairly sound. The distribution of Holiday Allowance (THR) is seen as helping maintain stable consumer demand.
“Purchasing power is not significantly affected because the holiday allowance has been disbursed. Demand is high and supplies are also being met. So the balance between supply and demand is just right,” he said.
Going forward, the Bandung City Government will expand price monitoring to the modern retail sector to ensure price stability is maintained until the Islamic holiday.
Head of the Bandung City Department of Trade and Industry, Ronny Ahmad Nurudin, stated that monitoring results show relatively stable prices with several commodities experiencing declines.
“Some have declined, such as eggs which are now in the range of Rp30,000 to Rp31,000 per kilogramme. Chicken meat is also stable at around Rp40,000 to Rp42,000 per kilogramme,” he explained.
He hoped that commodity prices currently relatively high, such as chillies, have peaked and will not experience significant increases in the coming days. “God willing this is already at its highest point, especially with only a few days left until Lebaran,” he added.