Chilli Prices Surge to IDR 110,000 Per Kilogram, Mataram Residents Flock to Affordable Markets

Escalating raw chilli prices in Mataram’s traditional markets, reaching IDR 110,000 per kilogram, have driven residents to seek alternatives. The affordable market organised by Mataram City Government at Kekalik Jaya Subdistrict Office on Swadaya Street on Thursday (26 February 2026) was immediately crowded with buyers.

From early morning, residents from Kekalik and surrounding areas filled the market stalls. Price differences of IDR 5,000 to 10,000 per kilogram were sufficient to make raw chilli and shallots change hands rapidly.

“It’s cheaper, that’s why we’re buying. There’s a difference of IDR 5,000 to 10,000 per kilogram compared to market prices,” said Ayu, a Mataram resident shopping at the affordable market at Kekalik Jaya Subdistrict Office on Swadaya Street.

Ayu purchased raw chilli, shallots, and cooking oil. She said she obtained raw chilli at IDR 90,000 per kilogram, lower than market prices. “I got chilli for around IDR 90,000 per kilogram, whereas at the market it’s still over IDR 100,000. Praise be, I saved about IDR 10,000,” she said.

Similarly, Nia deliberately came to the affordable market to purchase frozen meat, rice, shallots, chicken eggs, and raw chilli. “I came here deliberately because whenever there’s an affordable market, prices are always lower compared to the market. Especially chilli, shallots, and egg prices. At the market, egg prices are already IDR 60,000 per tray, but here I can get IDR 55,000 per tray. Raw chilli too—I can get IDR 90,000 per kilogram,” she said.

Various staple items were sold, including rice, chicken eggs, frozen chicken, frozen meat, raw chilli, large red chilli, tomatoes, cooking oil, bread, and instant seasonings. Raw chilli was priced at IDR 90,000 per kilogram, compared to IDR 110,000 per kilogram at the market.

Sri Wahyunida, Head of Essential and Important Goods Section (Bapokting) at the Mataram City Trade Office (Disdag), stated that 30 to 35 distributors were involved in the initiative. “We involved 30 to 35 distributors in today’s affordable market. Despite the rain, public enthusiasm was very high,” said Sri Wahyunida when interviewed at the market location.

According to Wahyunida, strong purchasing power was evident from the rapid depletion of staple items. “Purchasing power was very high. The most sought-after items included cooking oil and seasonings such as chilli and shallots,” she said. “Distributors brought 30 kilograms of raw chilli, but within hours it was all sold out. Because the prices are indeed more affordable compared to market prices,” she added.