Flour Prices Soar: Bandung Mayor Explains Why

BANDUNG — Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has responded to increases in the prices of several types of flour, including tapioca flour. He said he would ensure that tapioca flour was distributed properly.

“[Tapioca flour] is 100 per cent Indonesian-made, so it depends heavily on production from cassava food estates. What is certain is that we will ensure tapioca flour is distributed properly,” he said at Ciwalk on Monday (2 November 2026).

Wheat flour, he said, is entirely imported, so the matter is in the hands of the central government. He added that various types of flour sold in Bandung are produced outside the city and supplied in bulk.

“The important thing is that supplies reach our main markets, including various outlets such as Caringin Market, Ciroyom Market and other markets, as well as retailers in Pasar Baru. None of it must be stockpiled,” he said.

Farhan said the Bandung municipal government already had data on warehouses storing rice and flour. It would inspect them with the Bandung Metropolitan Police’s food task force to prevent hoarding.

He said flour prices had risen because of market mechanisms, such as falling production while demand remained steady, or demand growing faster than production.

“That is market mechanics,” he said, urging traders not to stockpile flour.