Chicken prices at Pasar Baru Bekasi rise by 35 percent, 'Only regular customers are still buying, it's really bad now'

Bekasi, KOMPAS.com — The rise in prices of several food items at Pasar Baru Bekasi, in East Bekasi District, Bekasi City, is beginning to draw complaints from traders. In addition to prices continuing to creep up, the market’s increasing quietness is causing sales turnover to fall drastically. Imas (50), a poultry trader who has sold at Pasar Baru Bekasi for decades, said that the price of broiler chickens has risen by around 35 percent compared with before. ‘Usually broiler chicken sells at Rp 28,000 per kilogram, now it can be nearly Rp 33,000 to Rp 38,000,’ Imas told Kompas.com at his stall on Friday, 22 May 2026. ‘Previously, price increases depended on market demand. If the market was busy, prices rose. Now whether the market is quiet or busy doesn’t matter; if prices go up, they go up.’ Imas said the current market conditions are even tougher than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sales of chickens, which could previously reach 50 to 60 birds per day, have fallen drastically to around 20 birds, and often remain unsold. ‘Only regular customers are buying now. It’s terrible,’ Imas said. He notes that shifts in consumer shopping patterns to online platforms are also affecting the traditional market. ‘Online platforms sometimes see price slashing, and buyers know the prices there as well,’ he said. ‘Now it’s hardly enough. Even a gross of Rp 2 million isn’t enough after deductions for shop rent, electricity, and distribution,’ said Imas. Despite the worsening market conditions, Imas chooses to stay in business because she has long depended on Pasar Baru Bekasi for her livelihood. ‘Whether or not, I will stay here. Profits and losses are to be faced. I’ve been here a long time; I have already bought my stall,’ she said.