Central Java Apindo: Many Entrepreneurs Incurring Losses Due to Soaring Plastic Resin Prices

SEMARANG – The Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) for Central Java province, Frans Kongi, has revealed that plastic resin prices have risen by 100 percent. According to him, this increase is not only burdening the public but also causing several entrepreneurs in Central Java to suffer losses.

“Plastic resin has now risen by 100 percent,” Frans stated when asked about the increase in plastic product prices on Tuesday (7/4/2026).

He added that the rise in raw materials would automatically increase production costs. “At the very least, production will decline because the prices are too high,” he said.

In addition to plastic resin, Frans mentioned that polyester prices have also risen. “Polyester has also increased by 100 percent,” he said.

According to Frans, with the rise in other production components, plastic product prices are certain to soar. “This is also beyond the reach of the public. Purchasing power, on the other hand, is also declining,” he remarked.

He assessed that the garment sector could also be affected by this increase, as it requires polyester for some of its products.

Frans revealed that plastic product selling prices still have the potential to skyrocket. “We also see that transportation costs have not yet been raised by the government, but if I’m not mistaken, industrial fuel oil has already increased. This will later affect logistics costs, transportation, and so on,” he said.

According to Frans, some plastic industry entrepreneurs in Central Java have already begun complaining about the rise in plastic raw material prices. “There are factories that have already closed contracts for a certain amount of plastic production. They closed the contracts when prices had not yet risen. Suddenly, when it’s time to produce, prices have risen by 100 percent. So the losses are extraordinary,” he explained.

He acknowledged that the rise in plastic raw material prices, including other components, is inseparable from the conflict currently taking place in the Middle East. “We very much hope that the government will continue to strive and engage in diplomacy for the smooth supply of oil. Do not let it decrease too much so that prices truly become unaffordable,” Frans said.

Frans also hopes that the government can provide relief or incentives for entrepreneurs in the plastics industry, such as in the form of tax incentives.