Chilli Prices Soar, Staple Goods Costs in Batam Cause Residents to Cry Out

The government is confronted with a policy dilemma where no option feels truly comfortable. Prices of several staple goods in Batam City have experienced a significant increase at the start of April 2026. The most striking rise has occurred in the chilli commodity, which has now reached high prices and is being complained about by the public.

In several traditional markets such as Penuin Wet Market and Mitra Raya Market, the price of bird’s eye chilli has reached around Rp80,000 to Rp100,000 per kilogram. Meanwhile, red chilli is sold for about Rp50,000 to Rp70,000 per kilogram, depending on quality and supply.

Not only chilli, but increases have also occurred in other staple goods. The price of medium rice is now in the range of Rp16,000 to Rp17,000 per kilogram, while bulk cooking oil has reached Rp20,000 per litre. Granulated sugar has also risen to around Rp18,000 to Rp20,000 per kilogram.

In the protein sector, the price of chicken meat has been observed to rise to Rp42,000 to Rp45,000 per kilogram. Chicken eggs have also increased and are now sold for around Rp30,000 to Rp33,000 per kilogram at the market level.

This situation has forced the public to readjust household expenditures. Many residents admit to being burdened by the simultaneous price increases.

“Now shopping is more expensive, especially for chilli. Usually buying a little is enough, now it has to be reduced,” said Ani, 43, a housewife in the Batam Center area.

Roma, 28, a housewife living in Batam Center, expressed the same sentiment. She admitted to having to save more due to the rise in the price of basic needs.

“The increase is very noticeable, especially for chilli. Even shopping little by little, I don’t know if I can save or not,” she said.

This rise in staple goods prices also impacts small business actors such as food vendors. They are forced to raise selling prices or reduce portions to adjust to increasing production costs.

Several traders mentioned that the price increase is triggered by limited supply from supplying regions as well as rising distribution costs. As an island region, Batam still heavily relies on supplies from outside the area, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations.

The local government previously stated that stocks of basic goods are still in a safe condition. However, the public hopes for concrete steps to stabilise prices, especially for commodities experiencing high spikes like chilli. If this condition continues, there are concerns that people’s purchasing power will decline further and impact local economic activities. Meanwhile, the Batam City Trade and Industry Office has not yet conducted field checks on this staple goods price increase.