Deputy Trade Minister monitors basic commodity prices at traditional market in Batam City

Batam — Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri monitored basic commodity prices at Summerland Traditional Market in Batam City, Riau Islands, as part of government efforts to maintain price stability ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri.

Dyah stated that the visit was conducted to ensure that essential commodity prices remained under control.

“We visited Summerland Traditional Market today to monitor basic commodity prices. As Eid al-Fitr approaches, the Trade Ministry is actively visiting various regions,” said Deputy Minister Dyah in Batam on Monday.

She noted that overall prices for several commodities at the market remained stable and were even below reference sale prices (HAP).

Several monitored commodities included bird’s eye chilli at approximately 60,000 rupiah per kilogramme, red chilli at 80,000 rupiah per kilogramme, shallots at 32,000 rupiah per kilogramme, and garlic at approximately 38,000 rupiah per kilogramme.

“We observed several commodities such as shallots and garlic even well below reference prices. Cooking oil and rice also remain below reference prices with sufficient stock,” she said.

Imported Australian frozen beef was recorded at approximately 130,000 rupiah per kilogramme, whilst frozen chicken was sold at approximately 42,000 rupiah per kilogramme and fresh chicken at approximately 45,000 rupiah per kilogramme.

For cooking oil, branded Minyakita sold at approximately 15,700 rupiah per litre and stabilised rice at approximately 12,500 rupiah per kilogramme.

Dyah also praised the management of Summerland Market, which was deemed to have met national market standards after obtaining Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certification. The market was also noted for implementing transaction digitalisation through QR code payment systems, whilst still offering cash payment options for the public.

“We appreciate that this market has obtained SNI certification. Digitalisation is progressing with QR code payments available, whilst cash payments are still accepted,” she said.

She hoped that Summerland Market could serve as an example for other regional traditional markets in maintaining cleanliness, governance, and price stability of commodities.

Nevertheless, Dyah acknowledged that some commodities experienced price increases in several other regions, including bird’s eye chilli.

“Bird’s eye chilli price increases have occurred in several areas such as here and also in South Tangerang. This is a note for us to continue monitoring price movements across various regions,” she said.

For reference, bird’s eye chilli in Batam City at normal prices ranges from 40,000 to 57,000 rupiah, but was monitored at the market in the range of 60,000 rupiah per kilogramme.