Beef Prices Hit Rp170,000 per Kilogram
The price of premium-grade fresh beef in traditional markets in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara Province, has experienced a drastic increase, reaching figures as high as Rp170,000 per kilogram.
Sarah, a beef trader at Kebon Roek Market in Mataram, stated that the price hike for premium-grade meat has been occurring over the last two weeks. She noted that the increase is due to high demand coinciding with the arrival of the Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) period, while stocks remain limited.
She revealed that premium beef prices typically range between Rp155,000 and Rp160,000 per kilogram. Due to the high cost, she rarely stocks pure premium grade and instead mixes it with grade-one beef as an alternative to maintain a small profit margin and prevent customers from leaving.
In addition to premium quality, prices for other beef grades, such as grade-three mixed meat, are fluctuating between Rp90,000 and Rp100,000 per kilogram, while grade-two beef is priced between Rp130,000 and Rp140,000 per kilogram. She added that the meat she sells daily is fresh beef rather than frozen, as frozen meat is less popular among consumers.
The high prices have impacted daily supply and sales. The amount of meat brought by traders is now uncertain, ranging between 10 to 15 kilograms per day. Sales have become inconsistent; while stock may sell out during busy periods, some remains during quieter days.
Responding to the situation, the Assistant II for Economy of the Mataram City Regional Secretariat, H Miftahurrahman, acknowledged the price increase. Based on monitoring in several traditional markets, such as Mandalika and Kebon Roek, beef prices currently range from Rp150,000 to Rp170,000 per kilogram due to limited slaughterhouse cattle stocks and increased market demand during the Maulid celebrations.
During the month of Maulid, residents in Mataram take turns celebrating with gatherings, prayers, and dhikr, often concluding with large-scale communal meals. The primary menu for these celebrations consists of fresh beef and chicken, which has triggered the price surge, he added.