Chilli Prices Soar in Batam, Dampening Traditional Market Activity

The price of bird’s eye chilli in several traditional markets across Batam City has remained high in recent weeks. This condition has caused a decline in shopping activity as the price is considered too expensive for daily needs.

At the trader level, bird’s eye chilli is being sold at varying prices, ranging from Rp70,000 to Rp90,000 per kilogram. The price depends on the type, quality, and available supply in each market.

The high price of bird’s eye chilli has been keenly felt by the public, especially housewives and small food business owners. Chilli is a kitchen staple used almost daily, so the price increase directly impacts household expenditure.

Suryani, 35, a chilli trader, said the price hike has been ongoing for several weeks. According to her, the price from suppliers rose first, forcing traders to adjust their selling prices in the market.

“Currently, bird’s eye chilli is still expensive. The price from suppliers is also high. Usually, buyers purchase one kilogram, but now many are only buying half or a quarter of a kilogram,” she said on Tuesday (30/6).

She noted that while there are still customers, their purchasing power is not what it used to be. Some residents continue to buy chilli for their kitchen needs, but in smaller quantities compared to when prices were normal.

Another trader, Rudi, 44, said the supply of chilli entering Batam has not fully stabilised. According to him, supply conditions greatly influence selling prices in traditional markets.

“If the supply is smooth, prices can usually come down. But currently, the stock is not as plentiful as usual, so prices remain high. We traders just follow the capital price,” he said.

He added that traders are hoping chilli prices will drop soon so that sales can return to normal. When prices are too high, buyers tend to hold back on spending and only purchase what is most urgently needed.

This price increase has also been felt by buyers. Sari, 22, a Batam resident, said she is now more cautious when shopping for kitchen necessities. She chooses to buy chilli in limited quantities to keep her daily expenses under control.

“Usually, I buy chilli in larger amounts to stock up at home. Now, I only buy a little, just enough for cooking today. If prices are still high, we have to economise,” she said.

According to her, the high price of chilli is forcing people to reorganise their kitchen budgets. She hopes the government can ensure a smooth supply so that the prices of basic necessities, including chilli, do not continue to burden residents.

Beyond reducing purchase quantities, some buyers are also seeking alternatives by mixing bird’s eye chilli with large red chillies. This method is used to meet cooking needs without incurring excessive expenses.

Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Batam City Trade and Industry Office, Suhar, could not be reached for comment. When contacted, the official was not available.

Traders and buyers hope that the chilli supply to Batam will return to normal in the near future. If the supply improves, the price of bird’s eye chilli in traditional markets is expected to stabilise again and public shopping activity can return to normal.