Gold Shines Brighter, Buying Interest in Batam Remains Undimmed
The price of gold in Batam moved higher again on Monday (15/6). Based on the national gold price benchmark, Antam gold was recorded at Rp2,729,000 per gram, up Rp18,000 from the previous price of Rp2,711,000 per gram. The buyback price for Antam gold also increased, reaching Rp2,500,000 per gram. Meanwhile, at Pegadaian, the price of 1-gram Antam gold was listed at Rp2,820,000, UBS gold at Rp2,709,000, and Galeri24 at Rp2,696,000 per gram.
This price increase has made some members of the public more cautious before buying. However, interest in gold is still considered to be holding firm, especially among those who view gold as a long-term savings and investment vehicle.
Fuadi, an employee at Toko Mas Fajar in the Bumi Indah Complex on Jl Imam Bonjol, Nagoya, Batam, said the rise in gold prices does not immediately halt transactions. According to him, buyers continue to come, although some opt to purchase in smaller quantities. “When prices rise, there are indeed buyers who hold back. But gold enthusiasts remain, particularly those buying for investment. They see gold as a safer way to store the value of money,” he said on Monday (15/6).
He explained that gold buyers generally have different needs. Some purchase gold as jewellery for daily wear, gifts, or specific events. Others, however, buy gold as savings because it is considered easy to resell when funds are needed. “Those buying for investment usually keep going. They don’t focus too much on daily prices, but see gold as a long-term store of value. It’s different from jewellery buyers, who usually consider price and making charges more carefully,” he said.
Meanwhile, one consumer, 29-year-old Rini, admitted she remains interested in buying gold despite the high prices. However, she is now more selective in choosing the type of gold to purchase. “Indeed, prices are high now, so I don’t buy much. But if I have extra money, I still choose to buy gold little by little because it can become savings,” she said. According to her, gold remains a choice because its value is relatively preserved and it is easy to store. Nevertheless, the price increase has made her consider gold purity, jewellery design, and making charges more carefully. “If the design is nice but the making charges are too high, I think twice. Now I prefer simple pieces, as long as the value remains,” she said.
Fuadi added that gold prices at the shop level can differ from the national benchmark price. The difference is influenced by the type of gold, purity, making charges, jewellery design, and each shop’s policy. For gold jewellery, the price is not calculated solely from the gold purity. Buyers also need to pay attention to making charges, which usually vary depending on the complexity of the design. “Gold bars follow the market price more easily. But for jewellery, there are additional making charges. So the public needs to ask clearly before buying,” he said.
He also reminded the public to be more thorough before transacting. Buyers are advised to confirm the gold purity, purchase receipt, resale price, and buyback terms at the shop where they buy the gold. According to him, it is important to keep the purchase receipt as it can facilitate the resale process. Additionally, the public needs to understand that the resale price of gold jewellery can differ from the purchase price due to deductions for making charges and purity adjustments.
The rise in gold prices is still estimated to be influenced by movements in global gold prices, global economic conditions, and increasing public interest in safe assets. In an uncertain economic situation, gold often becomes a choice to preserve asset value. Nonetheless, he advised the public to continue buying gold according to their respective financial capabilities. “If you want to buy gold, adjust it to your ability. Don’t let essential needs be disrupted. Gold is good for savings, but you must still look at your own financial condition,” he concluded.